Los Alamos New Squad, Same Championship Mindset

Well returning a pair from their 2021 state team has not affected them in the slightest as they seek to defend their 4A state title on Saturday. Duane Sena and Beck Ellis have emerged to lead the Hilltoppers all year long with what appears to be theirs to lose. ABQ Academy returns strong and competitive as always with home-field advantage on its side. The Chargers come off a 40-point victory against the majority of 4A schools in the Academy Extravaganza with notable Hilltoppers missing of course. Lovington landing on the podium in that meet in 2nd should boast well for a team that is coming off an 8th place finish at last year's 4A state championship. If the Wildcats can hold off against schools like Hope Christian, Gallup, and Kirtland Central they would be thrilled to have improved so far in a year's span. Well despite being relatively quiet all year, it is safe to say Hope Christian's Rendon Kuykendall is a heavy favorite going into this championship race. the two-time defending champ and Duke commit will look for one more title to secure his legacy as one of the best ever in New Mexico. Portales' Michael Riess seeks his own victory coming off a huge win at the Academy Extravaganza even with some key missing runners and teams. Dathan Esson, Nate Klein, and even Derick Castellanos will all be in the mix for a top-ten finish in what should be a very fast 4A boys' race.