Using my cross country crystal ball, I’ve predicted what will happen in Montgomery County in the months to come during cross country season. The following selections were on my 2017 Montgomery County cross country predictions on Mocorunning.com. This projection covers my picks for top ten individual girls and top ten girls’ teams and is a projection of the county championship meet in October at Bohrer Park. To see the results of Mocorunning’s fan poll, here’s the article. Go Wootton Patriots!!!
Individual Girls
1) Abigail Green (Sr), Walter Johnson
Green’s only competition will be her county course record.
2) Yasmine Kass (Sr), Paint Branch
Another sub-19 performance could be in the works for last year’s second place finisher.
3) Nandini Satsangi (Jr), Poolesville
The reigning 3A two mile champion matches last year’s bronze medal performance.
4) Jessica Trzeciak (Jr), Thomas S. Wootton
Trzeciak had a breakout performance at states in 2016 and should join the ranks of the elite this year.
5) Heather Delaplaine (Jr), Damascus
After finishing fractions of a second over 19 minutes, expect Delaplaine to break the barrier at this year’s meet.
6) Morgan Casey (Sr), Montgomery Blair
7) Josephine Brane-Wright (Sr), Montgomery Blair
Brane-Wright and Casey both finish in the top ten for the second straight year.
8) Helena Lee (So), Northwest
Lee follows up a sensational freshman year with another impressive county finish.
9) Janet Scott (Sr), Walter Johnson
County favorite WJ gets one more runner into the top ten with the senior Scott.
10) Unnamed Freshwoman
There will be a freshwoman in the top ten. I just don’t know who.
Girls’ Team Competition
1) Walter Johnson Wildcats
No surprise here, but WJ’s days atop the county are numbered.
2) Thomas S. Wootton Patriots
If their varsity runners are healthy, the Patriots are a clear number two. They return six of their seven top girls, including a stellar junior quartet led by Trzeciak.
3) Walt Whitman Vikings
Whitman returns most of its varsity and was loaded with talented underclasswomen last year.
4) Montgomery Blair Blazers
Brane-Wright and Casey are the best duo in the county, but they’ll need support from their 3-4-5 runners.
5) Bethesda Chevy Chase Barons
If healthy and on their A game, B-CC could climb up to the second spot. That’s a big if, though a top five spot at counties is certainly within range.
6) Poolesville Falcons
Satsangi and sophomore Logan Rohde both placed top ten last year. Another strong effort by Poolesville’s top two could result in a two-spot jump.
7) Quince Orchard Cougars
With one of the county’s largest teams, the Cougars should have the depth to compete, but they’ll need a strong number one runner to be a true contender.
8) Sherwood Warriors
Sherwood will return its top four runners and comes off a seventh place finish at last year’s meet.
9) Northwest Jaguars
Sophomore Helena Lee was stellar last year, but the graduation of Sofia Zarate will certainly hurt the Jags in the standings.
10) Winston Churchill Bulldogs
Like the boys’ team, Churchill’s girls will take a step back, but a top-ten finish isn’t out of the picture.
Riker's Block 