3. East St Louis (51)
4. Urbana (39)
8. Mahomet-Seymour (30)
9. Carbondale (27)
The narrative: Friday projects to be a sword fight for the 2A team title, with no clear favorite emerged from the sectional round. Eureka has been on top of the rankings for most of the season and still rose from the sectional round as number one by a slimmer margin. The Hornets definitely possess some major firepower that they can sting you with, led by seniors Aden Sears (400m, HJ, LJ and Micah Senior (400m & LJ). Both should be called to duty on a relay, likely the state leading 4x400 (3:24.77) given that the sneaky 4x200m is so close to the 400m, but you never know in Senior's case as that double has become a bit more common these days. Eureka will need Mitchell Danner (300H) and Elijah Skutt (High Jump) to improve their projected spots in the final results.
Mascoutah as we mentioned earlier this year is a very underrated team. All year long they competed against the heavyweight teams in the Metro-East including what some have called a state meet preview at their sectional last week. The Indians can score in all four relays, that's where they expected the bulk of their points. The 4x200m leads the classification (1:30.18), while the 4x1 (42.74) and 4x800 (8:14.13) are highly rated while the 4x400m can score which is essential in close meets. Individually, the big fella and Alabama signee Barry Evans should hold down the fort at the Shot and Discus (IL#2) rings for much-needed points.
Devontae Ford has been tagging us all season long, now is the time we cross paths to see what the super Flyer has in store for the rest of the state. The state leader in the 300H (37.31) will look to add a title in the 110H (14.16) as well to secure a hurdle double, but more importantly 20 crucial team points. He will also have an opportunity to join forces with teammates on the 4x400m which may be the deciding factor for the team trophy order. Timothy Cross will look to challenge for big points in the 400m and aid in relays while Kenneth Buchanon can potentially surprise some in his inaugural state meet.
Please do not count out other teams as we have seen many teams falter at state and others rise to the occasion in a big way. Urbana could be the first sleeper team to keep an eye on. Jeremiah Hamilton appears to have found his 2019 form in the 200m (21.58) to lead the classification, to go along with long time long jump ace Daniel Mboyo (23-10.25) who also leads the classification in the event. Remember the Tigers also have the top 4x1 (42.70) and a highly rated 4x200m that could do some damage.
Sandwich will rely heavily on the legs of stars Jayden McCulskie-Green (all jumps) and Michael Marrs (100m + 200m). They could surprise some teams if they are on their game. The same can be said for Marion whose vaulters in Dyson Roye and Colin Beers could gain sky-high points.