Boys state track and field: A closer look

A closer look at the boys' state track meet, Thursday through Saturday at Drake Stadium in Des Moines:

(MEET SCHEDULE)

CLASS 4A (Heat/lane assignments)

Top individuals -- Drake Relays Outstanding Performer James Harrington of Cedar Falls heads the list. The junior has the season's top effort in the 100 meters. Kevin Lewis of Ottumwa is a good bet to sweep the 1,600 and 3,200. Tyler Donels of Southeast Polk has high-jumped 7-foot-2, the second-best effort all-time in Iowa, and is a top-flight hurdler. Kyle Dunn of Linn-Mar continues to pursue the state's all-time best in the 400 hurdles.

Teams to watch -- Two-time defending champion Cedar Rapids Washington will be pushed hard by a number of teams, and the most likely successor is Cedar Falls. The Tigers ought to reign if they match their performance three weeks ago at the Drake Relays. West Des Moines Valley doesn't have one phenomenal individual, but will score well with its depth. A very strong hurdling corps should vault Linn-Mar into the top five.

How they'll finish -- 1. Cedar Falls, 2. West Des Moines Valley, 3. Linn-Mar, 4. Cedar Rapids Washington, 5. Ottumwa.

CLASS 3A (Heat/lane assignments)

Top individuals -- The distances should be dandy behind Glenwood's Johnny Fuller and Spirit Lake Park's Alec Baldwin. Justin Baker of Sioux City Heelan is fully capable of sweeping the throwing events while Jace Simpson of Hampton-Dumont is the 3A state leader in the 100 and 200.

Teams to watch -- This will be a free-for-all, with as many as seven teams capable of scoring in the high 40s or better. The teams with the most potential appear to be Glenwood and DeWitt Central. The Sabers have the season-leading effort in three relays.

How they'll finish -- 1. Glenwood, 2. DeWitt Central, 3. Sioux City Heelan, 4. Spirit Lake Park, 5. Clear Creek Amana.

CLASS 2A (Heat/lane assignments)

Top individuals -- The talent in 2A is spread fairly evenly throughout individuals and teams. Daniel Bonthius of Iowa City Regina is the top 800 runner and a threat in the 400. West Marshall's Aaron Arment is a threat to win the 100 and 200.

Teams to watch -- Relay might makes Fort Dodge St. Edmond the team to beat. Arment and his fellow sprinters gives West Marshall the best chance to challenge.

How they'll finish -- 1. Fort Dodge St. Edmond, 2. West Marshall, 3. Iowa City Regina, 4. Bondurant-Farrar, 5. Monticello.

CLASS 1A (Heat/lane assignments)

Top individuals -- Doesn't is seem as if Lisbon's Conner Smock has been dominating in the state distances for years? He's still just a junior and should score a bevy of points once again. Nick Efkamp of Madrid is the small-school state leader in the 100, 110 hurdles and 400 hurdles, and No. 2 in the long jump.

Teams to watch -- Assuming Efkamp is healthy and doesn't miss the bus, Madrid is the team to beat. Smock should put Lisbon in the top five, while Conrad BCLUW and Manson-Northwest Webster should be in the mix.

How they'll finish -- 1. Madrid, 2. BCLUW, 3. Manson-NW Webster, 4. Lisbon, 5. Ackley AGWSR.