As it has been going on for the past two years, Episcopal and Dunham are facing off yet again for the state title. On top of that, there could be a surprise challenger this year for the top two positions with D'Arbonne Woods.
D'Arbonne Woods had a surprise recent performance at the North Louisiana Last Chance Meet. Three of their runners broke 17-minutes and could consequently place all three of them within the top ten at the state meet. These runners include Cris Valesquez, Eric Ramsey, and Trent Futch. The only struggle for team score comes from the large gap between these three and the next two runners.
Dunham has the chance to upset the distance dynasty of Episcopal once again. The team benefits from having three runners that could finish in the top 10. The best of these is John Walker McDonald who has run the fastest time in 2A by far with a time of 15:26. He is also the defending champion and will most likely remain that way. The other two runners, Antonio Delgado and Reese Davis, both have the chance of finishing in the top ten.
John Walker McDonald finishing 3rd at the St. Joseph's Invitational
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What stands in the way of Dunham, is closing the gap between its front pack and its remaining two runners in the top five.
Episcopal could be in trouble this year. The team has won the state title over the last two decades and more, but Dunham is posing, possibly, the greatest threat that it has had in a long time. Alex Hollier holds the fastest time for the team but has not raced since the beginning of the season and now Sacha Dernoncourt stands alone as the top individual on the team. The rest of Episcopal's runners are good, but they are all below Dunham's third runner in terms of their current season-best.
This race is surely going to be a race to watch as these two teams duke it out for the coveted 2A state title.
Also, look out for William Moore of Newman. He has run in the mid-16's for most of the season and could be a contender for a podium position on Monday.