CROSS COUNTRY: Another golden opportunity

St. Francis, the reigning California Division 4 state champion, has demonstrated the ability to hold its own in elite fields in the most prestigious invitationals this season and the Golden Knights will have another chance Friday in the Division 3-4-5 boys team sweepstakes.

With reigning sweepstakes champion Dana Hills not competing at Mt. SAC this weekend and last year’s runner-up Cathedral entered in the Division 3-4-5 individual sweepstakes race instead, St. Francis is primed to capture the team title following a third-place effort last season.

The Golden Knights achieved a sweepstakes victory at the 50th Bell-Jeff/Sacred Heart Invitational, along with producing strong performances in the Doug Speck boys sweepstakes race at the 42nd Woodbridge Cross Country Classic presented by ASICS America in addition to the Rob Brenner boys championship race at the 44th ASICS Clovis Invitational at Woodward Park in Fresno.

Samuel Franco, who finished 18th in the Division 3-4-5 team sweepstakes race last year for St. Francis, continues to demonstrate why he is one of the most improved runners in the country.

Franco won the sweepstakes race at the Bell-Jeff/Sacred Heart competition and placed 10th at both Woodbridge and Clovis.

Luke Metcalf, Auge Martin, Aidan Guzman and Axel Gonzalez have also been instrumental in St. Francis’ success, as the Golden Knights look to secure the Division 3-4-5 team sweepstakes at Mt. SAC after capturing the CIF Southern Section Division 4 championship on the same 2.93-mile layout last year.

Santa Margarita, St. John Bosco, Palos Verdes, West Ranch and Foothill Technology are also expected to compete in the Division 3-4-5 boys team sweepstakes, in addition to Moorpark, South Pasadena, La Costa Canyon, Francis Parker and Viewpoint.