1. Benton
Head Coach/coaches: Brent McLain/John Krueger
Last year's finish: State Runner Up
Key returners: Gabriel McLain (Sr), Cole Buchanan (Sr), Briggs Miller (So), Seager Sanchez (Jr), Kaden Blades (Jr)
Outlook: So much emphasis was placed on superstar Gavin Genisio over the past few years that teams forgot that Coach McLain had other pieces to win a championship. One is his son "Goob" who placed fourth a year ago. He is among the top returning distance runners with 9:09 and 4:15 credentials. He will be an individual title contender in November. Also, keep an eye on Cole Buchanan, who finished 13th in the standings and earned all-state honors. "We have five [starters] from last year's squad plus three newcomers," adds coach McLain. "All had a very consistent summer. Mileage was added. I'm hoping to be a trophy team again."