2019 Boys Preseason XC Power Rankings: #10 Harford Tech

Photo by John Roemer

Preseason Power Rankings Daily Schedule

Sunday, August 11th - Tuesday, August 20th: Boys 1-10 (one a day)

Wednesday, August 21st: Girls 41-50

Thursday, August 22nd: Girls 31-40

Friday, August 23rd: Girls 21-30

Saturday, August 24th: Girls 11-20

Sunday, August 25th - Tuesday, September 3rd: Girls 1-10 (one a day)

Wednesday, September 4th: Boys Classification/Private School (top 15 each)

Thursday, September 5th: Girls Classification/Private School (top 15 each)


Our 2019 preseason XC power rankings continue with the 11th-20th boys teams. These rankings are subjective and based on last year's performances (season bests, plus performances at big meets like conferences and states), track performances, program depth and reputation (how certain programs stay strong year after year).

We will rank the top 50 boys and girls teams heading into the season, then provide weekly top 25 ranking updates!

Top seven returners are based on last year's 5K or three mile season bests. Other runners to watch include those with standout track performances (relative to the rest of the team), unless those runners have run multiple track seasons without running cross country - we don't want to assume they will be running cross country in the fall. Freshmen or rookies who did not run cross country but did run track are usually included.

Use these rankings to preview your rival teams, debate your friends, and lace up those shoes and prove us wrong about your team!


10. Harford Tech High School Cobras (Bel Air, MD)

Photo by Craig Amoss

Conference: UCBAC (1st) Region: 2A East (1st)

Top Seven Returners:

1. Kevin Baranoski (junior): 16:29 5K, 4:29 1600, 9:38 3200

2. Daron Taylor (senior): 16:36 5K, 4:25 1600, 9:52 3200

3. Zachary Taylor (senior): 16:51 5K, 4:29 1600, 9:58 3200

4. Antwain Shaw (sophomore): 20:43 5K, 2:29 800

5. Aaron Litvin (junior): 21:12 5K, 2:14 800, 5:06 1600

6. Tyler Marrow (sophomore): 21:33 5K, 2:29 800, 5:22 1600

7. Ashton Mazurek (sophomore): 21:35 5K

Others to Watch:

Alexander Fritzges (sophomore): 5:06 1600, 11:23 3200


Last fall, the Harford Tech boys were one more solid runner away from being a 2A state title contender. Their 1-4 runners scored a combined 50 points, the lowest in the race. With three of those top runners back, the Cobras can jump-start their scoring at any meet with a trio of low numbers, but it will be their depth that decides just how far this team can go in 2019.

All three of their top returning runners are coming off of excellent cross country and track seasons. Fallston transfer Kevin Baranoski (above) instantly fit in, leading the team at states with an eighth-place finish and clocking a 9:38 3200 at the outdoor state meet. Daron and Zachary Taylor - who finished 10th and 17th, respectively, at last year's state meet - are the lone returning seniors among the team's top seven. Both also clocked sub-4:30 and sub-10 times on the track this spring.

Photo by John Roemer

There are signs that their depth could be stronger than last year's 5K times indicate, as well. Junior Aaron Litvin (above) clocked a 5:06 1600 on the track and could shave plenty of time off of his 18:58 three-mile personal best. Sophomore Alexander Fritzges could be a key addition; he did not run cross country as a freshman but ran 5:06 and 11:23 in the spring.

The Cobras will face some stiff competition in their postseason meets this season. The defending UCBAC champions from C. Milton Wright return most of their varsity squad, and the 2A East region may be the most competitive 2A region in the state with the likes of Kent Island, Fallston and North Harford.