The fact that Natick isn’t in our number one spot goes to show how tough it will be to be at the top this season. Most years their top four runners would be unbeatable. Up front they have top contender John Bianchi, who was 8th at the Meet of Champions and boasts a 4:11 mile PR. Bianchi will have his sights set on both the individual title as well as the team.

Billerica won the Division 1C race last season by 29 points with a team made up of freshmen and sophomores. That same squad finished fourth at the Meet of Champions the following week. How good can that team be this year?

As mentioned before, the Middlesex League is one of the most difficult to race in, and Lexington is the primary reason. The defending league champs return their top five from that race that all ran 16:00 or better.

The defending Champs from the Division 1 race at the Meet of Champion return a formidable squad this fall led by one of the best runners in state history. After a record-breaking outdoor season that saw a new state best in the Mile, all eyes will be on Abigail Hennessy this fall. However, Westford Academy managed to win last year without their star.

Winchester returns their top six from last year after fishing runner up at the Middlesex League meet. Junior Riley Newman leads the way with an 18:47 5K PR from that same meet. Winchester’s strength comes from the pack the follows her. Caroline Lanz, Julia Ramsey, and Chloe Walker finished 11th, 12th, and 14th at the same meet. A pack like that can take over a race in the final mile.