1. Severna Park (Preseason: #1): They ran a B team at the Seahawk Invite and still finished fourth. So, yes - they're still #1.
2. South River (Preseason: #8): Their runner-up performance on their home course at the Seahawk Invite was very impressive, as they took down two teams who ranked higher than them in the preseason rankings (River Hill and Mount St. Joe's). Throw them in that top mix of teams contending for this year's 4A state title.
3. Howard (Preseason: #3): They were idle this weekend, but looked very strong without their top boys earlier this summer in their scrimmage at the Glenelg Country School. They are scheduled to make their debut this Saturday at the Howard County Invitational.
4. Mount St. Joseph (Preseason: #5): Led by Hunter Petrik, the MSJ boys finished third at the Seahawk Invite, a mere four points behind South River. The defending IAAM champions certainly look the part to start the season.
5. Dulaney (Preseason: #4): The Baltimore County Relays didn't give a super-clear picture of this year's new-look Dulaney squad. They race in a couple league meets before their next varsity race: the Barnhart Invitational, on their home course.
6. Liberty (Preseason: #16): The defending 2A state champions looked very strong in their win at the Brunswick Invite, placing four in the top ten and five in the top 20 of the large school division.
7. River Hill (Preseason: #2): They were beat by a few really good teams at the Seahawk Invite on Saturday, but they're still the defending 3A state champions. They'll have a shot to climb back up the rankings this Saturday at the Howard County Invitational.
8. Northwest (Preseason: #7): The Northwest boys showcased their expected depth on Saturday, placing their top five among the top 25 in the large school division at the Brunswick Invite. They are scheduled to meet their Moco counterparts at B-CC in a few weeks at the DCXC Invite.
9. Bethesda-Chevy Chase (Preseason: #6): They were idle this week and won't run in a weekend invite until next Saturday at the Adidas XC Invite. They will, however, debut this Tuesday at the Woodward Relays.
10. Broadneck (Preseason: #9): They would have finished sixth - not far off of River Hill - at the Seahawk Invite had their top runner, Paul Squires, run in the varsity A race.
