Boys

Group 4: Shawnee was the surprise winner of the South Jersey title, and the Renegades will compete for the state crown behind senior Dave Forward (15 minutes, 48 seconds at sectional meet), as well as sophomores Conner Herr (15:55) and Pete Murray (16:08). The Renegades' team average at the sectional was an impressive 16:27. Toms River North's Joe Kotran (15:25) is the individual favorite.

Group 3: Junior Miles Schoedler (15:59) won the individual title and led Ocean City to the team title at the South sectionals. This group is loaded with West Windsor-Plainsboro North's nationally ranked junior twins Joe Rosa and Jim Rosa, as well as defending Meet of Champions winner Tyler Udland of Millburn. Ocean City's team average at the sectionals was a solid 16:47.

Group 2: Haddonfield senior Jonathan Vitez (15:24) goes after his third consecutive state title. Senior Colin Baker (16:02) and juniors Matt Nussbaum (16:08) and Ben Potts (16:10) also should place high for Haddonfield, which is ranked No. 10 in the nation in the MileSplit Fab 15. With a loaded team that produced a 16:08 average at the sectionals, the Bulldogs should cruise to the team title.

Group 1: Haddon Township (17:47) is the South champion and also the defending state champion. Senior Jacob Walter (16:51) won the sectional title. Pennsville also will be a factor behind junior Tyler Cummings (17:06). Verona's Dave Oster (15:49) is the defending individual champion and Central champion Robbinsville (17:17) had the best team average in the sectionals.

Non-Public A: St. Augustine senior Phil Fanz (16:06) won the unofficial Non-Public South Jersey championship. Paul VI won the team title with a 16:59 average behind senior Mike Rankin (16:24). Christian Brothers Academy, No. 4 in the nation in the MileSplit Fab 15, had a 16:25 average at the Shore Conference meet. Christian Brothers is led by junior Mike Mazzaccaro, who was second in the Meet of Champions 3,200 meters in June.

Girls

Group 4: Lenape freshman Natalia Ocasio (18:24) and senior Caitlin Orr (18:43) went 1-2 at the South meet. West Windsor-Plainsboro South's Caroline Kellner (18:14) won the Central meet, while Randolph (19:17) posted the best team average at the North 1 meet.

Group 3: Kingsway senior Chelsea Ley placed second in the state meet in 2007 and 2008. She's the heavy favorite to win this season after running 17:33 at the South meet. Highland's Megan Venables (17:43) should push Ley again. Seneca (19:57) won the South sectional and should challenge for the state title behind seniors Lyndsy Horn (19:06), Nicole McGrainer (19:53), and Austin Powell (19:57).

Group 2: Haddonfield senior Marielle Hall (17:52), who missed the state meet with an injury last year, rates as the heavy favorite. Delsea (19:51) won the South sectional behind junior Felicia O'Donnell (19:18) and senior Ashley Deckert (19:21) and should battle Haddonfield (19:52) and Chatham (20:44) for the team title.

Group 1: Pitman senior Shona Potrzucki (20:29) won the South crown and led the Panthers (22:36) to the team title. Mountain Lakes (20:19) looms as the team favorite led by individual favorite Kristen Landry (19:30).

Non-Public A: Bishop Eustace sophomore Holly Bischof (18:43) won the unofficial South Jersey title, and the Crusaders (20:10) took the team title with help from junior Mo DiPietrantonio (19:52) and senior Kelly Malloy (19:59). Red Bank Catholic, which features Shore Conference champion Molly McNamara, and Pope John loom as strong contenders for the team title.