Individuals
The Favorite(s): Jayden Fitzgarrald
Jayden Fitzgarrald of American Fork has risen to the top spot in the 6A classification and has notched some impressive victories throughout the season with the most impressive coming from the Timpanogos XC Invitational. Jayden won his regional race in a time of 15:09 for three miles and followed up that performance by winning his divisional race in 16:05 for 5000m
Jayden leads an impressive group of boys who are looking to take home another state title. Fitzgarrald was a part of the team that won the RunningLane National meet and set the High School record for the fastest five-man average over 5000m last season. Jayden has the accolades and talent to back up his case for taking home the individual title but it won't come easy for the senior caveman.
You would think that the defending 6A champion would be the overwhelming favorite but that isn't the case this year. Nate Jaster has been at an elite level all season which was to be expected and even started the season with a national ranking as high as 15! Jaster has fallen out of the rankings since then but has still been a top contender in the 6A classification.
Nate took a win over teammate Jayden at the Pre State meet which is a good sign for the defending champ. But overall Jaster and Fitzgarrald's focus will be primarily on the team battle which is sure to be one of the best in the country!
Other runners who could crack the top 3 are Seth Wallgren from Skyridge who was second in his region finishing before Jaster and just behind Fitzgarrald. Also Ryan Bennett from Farmington and Noah Jenkins from Herriman, both of whom won their regional titles.
Teams
The Favorite(s): Farmington
Farmington is a clear favorite seeing how they have been undefeated against in-state competition all season long. Farmington has one of the tightest five-man spreads in the country with about 25 seconds separating their first and fifth runner on average. That mixed with the fact that they have a man who will be competing for a top 3 spot at State is mind-boggling! Farmington could potentially put 3-5 runners in the top 15 which would result in a dominant win for the young school!
American Fork is the only squad capable of delivering a truly devastating upset to an unbeaten (by Utah schools) Farmington squad. American Fork boasts the best 1-2 combo in 6A and has a solid 3-5 to help polish off a great team score. If American Fork wishes to add another 6A title to the already overwhelmed trophy case, they will have to break apart that Farmington pack.