2017 PIAA XC District Previews: District 9

District 9 (10/28)

A (2 Teams, 10 Individuals)

1. Elk County Catholic

2. Smethport

3. Clarion

4.  Kane

1	Ben Hoffman	So	Elk CC
2	Darion Gregory	Jr	Smethport
3	Tristan Ammell	Fr	Coudersport
4	Nicolas Heredero	So	Ridgway
5	Ethan Brentham	Jr	Brookville
6	Christian Tanner	Jr	Smethport
7	Isaac Wortman	So	Elk CC
8	Nathaniel Lerch	So	Clarion
9	Matt Dippold	Sr	Elk CC
10	Logan Hoffman	Sr	Elk CC
11	Jacob Carnovale	Jr	Elk CC
12	Dan Fisher	So	Cranberry
13	Jacob Karr	Sr	Oswayo Valley
14	Jordan Pavlock	Fr	Smethport
15	John Wolfe	So	Kane
16	Noah Schill	Jr	Clarion
17	Lane Hillard	So	Kane
18	Logan Johnson	So	Cranberry
19	Eric Szarowicz	Jr	Smethport
20	Ethan Nannen	So	Smethport

The 2016 state runner-ups have somehow managed to remain a bit under the radar in 2017. Despite a strong showing at meets like Red, White and Blue and McQuaid, the Elk County Catholic boys haven’t managed to join in on the state championship discussion in the same way that teams like Montrose or Jenkintown (and of course Penns Valley) have. But they have a chance to make a statement here at their district championship. Last year, ECC scored 42 points and had five guys in the top 13 overall. This year they could potentially be even better. Personally, I’d like to just see everyone on the line healthy. I believe they were missing Logan Hoffman in their most recent invite. After their best 5, there’s a bit of a drop off that could drop this team out of contention.

Smethport seems to be the front runners for the #2 spot. They have an awesome 1-2 punch in Darion Gregory and Christian Tanner. They’ve also added freshman Jordan Pavlock to the mix who projects to be a top 20 finisher on the right day. Clarion, who put together a nice showing at Foundation, and Cranberry, last year’s #2 qualifiers, are the other teams on my radar in this race.

Individually, I’m betting on Ben Hoffman of Elk County to take down the victory. I think this kid has the potential to do big things at states and a victory here would be a nice confidence boost heading to Hershey. He will have his hands full with some other young contenders like freshman Tristan Ammell and sophomore Nicolas Heredero. Also keep a watch for Ethan Brentham of Brookville. He was the AA champ last year at Punxsutawney and has shown some flashes of brilliance in 2017. If he puts it together on race day, he will race with the leaders. Deeper down the board I really like Dan Fisher of Cranberry and Jacob Karr of Oswayo Valley as state qualifiers with potential for a strong day.

AA (1 Team, 5 Individuals)

1. Bradford

2. Punxsutawney

1	Logan Caruso	Sr	Bradford
2	Owen Bartlebaugh	So	Punxsutawney
3	Tyler Kraft	So	Bradford
4	Vinnie Bizzarro	Jr	Bradford
5	Isaac Swanson	Jr	Clearfield
6	Corbin Hietzenrater	So	Punxsutawney
7	Isaac Paterniti	Jr	Bradford
8	Aiden McLaughlin	Fr	Punxsutawney
9	Harry McMillen	Sr	Clearfield
10	Cade Hayden	Sr	Bradford
11	Andrew Kraft	So	Bradford
12	Gabe Mitchell	So	Bradford
13	Ethan May	Jr	Punxsutawney
14	Kevin Ingros	Jr	Punxsutawney
15	Gavin Schmoll	Fr	Karns City

The Bradford-Punxsutawney rivalry is back and just as strong as ever. A year ago, Punxsutawney swept the top 3 spots and, despite Bradford taking the next 4, was able to hold on for a victory 27 to 36. In 2015, Bradford reigned victoriously, taking the title by 4 points over Clearfield. And before all that, in 2014, Punxsutawney rolled to a district title with 28 points. So if form holds this season, history says Bradford will be our champions. The results on the course have backed that up as Bradford looks pretty deep and strong up front. That’s a pretty good combination in XC. Yes, that’s why they pay me the big bucks, for analysis like that.

Individually, Logan Caruso is looking to return to the top of the podium. He was the district champ in 2014 and 2015 and projects as the favorite in 2017. However, last year’s #1 returner Owen Bartlebaugh will look to give chase. The sophomore has had a nice season and knows Caruso well from their battles during the regular schedule. The wildcard that I think could potentially upset both guys is Tyler Kraft. This sophomore ran awesome at Coopers Lake and is showing signs he may be sitting on a breakout performance.