The Freeport 4k got things started this week as the defending Class B state champions Freeport (#3 Preseason) got things kicked off with an impressive performance over (#22 Cape Elizabeth). Henry Horne showed he will be a threat for the individual title running 12:35.75 to win by over a minute and half. The Falcons took the first four stops and had six in the top eight.

On the girls side 2021 Class B runner Cape Elizabeth (#6 preseason) took a narrow 26-29 over the host Falcons (#18 preseason). The Capers showed they have the quality up front with juniors Emma Young & defending Class B individual champion Hadley Mahoney leading the way. Behind them it was transfer Jane Curtis from Scarborough, and a pair of freshman Addison Young and Avery Palmore. Freeport had five of the top eight finishers showing they had good depth to start the season off.

On Wednesday the SMAA season got underway with SMAA Relays at Bonny Eagle High School. The boys went first and junior Nathan Blades didn't mess around as he stepped on the gas from the gun and never let up. In the end Blades set a new relays record with his 8:41 effort as he was comfortably ahead of Maddox Jordan (Noble) by 20 seconds. The preseason #1 ranked Portland Bulldogs showed they are the team to beat in Southern Maine Class A as the Bulldogs showed both quality and depth in trouncing the competition.

On the girls side race #1 and #2 got off before a lightning delay stopped competition for 45 minutes. Preseason #1 and four time defending Class A champion Bonny Eagle showed that despite graduating a bulk of their top seven from a year ago they still have athletes and talent to win again. The Scots had four of the top seven overall performers in the meet. Marshwood (#3 preseason) showed they will be a strong team this fall as well, and are in position to challenge the Scots as the season progresses. Individually Bonny Eagle junior Addy Thibodeau had the fastest time on the day with a 10:18, her effort was

Friday's action took place at Cony High School for the Scot Laliberte Invitational. The kickoff to the KVAC season saw teams compete in the unique boys and girls combined race over the odd 3900 yard distance as noted on the results. Individually Mt. Ararat senior Parker Libby was the only runner to break 14 minutes with his winning effort of 13:51.80. Preseason #8 Mt. Blue showed good early form as the Cougars had the low score of 56 behind a two-three finish from Cyrus Evans (14:00) and Henri McCourt (14:10). Messalonskee unranked in the preseason showed they will be a team to watch out for in 2022.

On the girls side Caribou senior Kayley Bell made the long trek down worth her time as she covered the course in 16:44.80 the only harrier in the field to crack 17 minutes. Mt Blue (Preseason #16) was the top team tallying 42 points, the Cougars had five runners in the top 14 overall. #22 Maranacook showed they will be one of the top Class C school with a runner-up finish while unranked Cony had a great start finishing just three points back.

On Saturday at the Dan Dors Invitational a pair of newcomers opened up their season with easy victories. On the boys side Sam Laverdiere, a sophomore from Lake Region clocked 17:14 to win on a hot day as he lead the Lakers to the team victory. In the girls race Abigail Roberts in her debut xc race led from beginning to end winning with a 22:08, her winning margin was over 2 minutes as she lead Lake Region to victory.

In other action on Saturday at Medomak Valley, the #10 ranked Brunswick boys made a statement as they had five of the top 14 finishers including three of the top four as they easily won with 31 points over #19 ranked Lincoln Academy who had 43 points. Senior Eli Palmer had the fastest time of the day with a 10:35.80 as he edged Logan Ouellette of Leavitt 10:36.60. In girls action Camden Hills junior Jenna VanRyn took top honors with a 12:28.94 with Audrey Hufnagel of Lincoln Academy in second with a 12:36.88. #5 ranked Camden Hills took team honors with 36 points, as #17 Lincoln Academy was second with 50, and #7 Brunswick was third with 57. The big news was Maeve Woodruff who ran for Maine Coast Waldorf last fall and placed seventh in the state meet has transferred to Brunswick and placed third in the race.