Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

High school track teams to watch

By Deirdre Fleming dfleming@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

GIRLS

1. Scarborough: As is often the case with the Red Storm, they have a wealth of talent and senior leaders who have experience. And they’re deep. Expect Scarborough to be tough to beat.

2. Brunswick: Took third in the state meet last year with a lot of help from underclassmen, and this year the Dragons are loaded distance-wise, with three who scored in the mile at the Bowdoin Relays on Dec. 17.

3. Bonny Eagle: The Scots graduated a lot of talent, but there appears to be more coming up through the ranks. Bonny Eagle finished second in the state meet last winter, just seven points behind Scarborough.

4. Thornton Academy: The Trojans have a deep roster, with 40 girls out for the team. Thornton was fifth last year at the Class A state meet and could move up this year.

5. Mt. Ararat: The Eagles can never be discounted, and coaches expect the team to collect its share of points. Mt. Ararat returns eight athletes from a team that finished fourth in Class A.

BOYS

1. Bonny Eagle: The Scots may not rack up points at dual meets because of a lack of depth, but they have top-end athletes who could come up big at the Class A state meet.

2. Falmouth: The reigning Class B champs have depth again and get the nod from some opposing coaches as the favorite.

3. Gorham: The Rams have nearly 50 athletes out, which should translate into plenty of points and top finishes.

4. Mt. Ararat: Led by three-event champ McKenzie Gary, the Eagles have enough talent to be a contender in Class A.

5. York: The Wildcats, who finished fourth at the Class B state meet last season, have several solid distance runners, including four with state-meet experience who were among the top 13 at the Bowdoin Relays.