Southwest region has surprised many as a hotbed for prep boys XC, More specifically the state of Utah has developed the fastest it seems. When you win your states Large School title by over 30 points and then don't qualify for NXN you have nothing to be ashamed of. As frustrating as it is for a team like Davis Ut there are others like Lehi ( 2nd in 5A ) who ran lights out at their state and regional meets but yet failed to make it to NXN. American Fork and Davis in the 5A Timpanogos 4A and Lone Peak all had great seasons often times knocking off each other along the way. It all comes down to coaching and other factors throughout the long season. NXN rankings should weigh heavy as it brings the best together on the same course on the same day at the same wet muddy hilly time.

The thing I do not understand is how teams like Ogden and desert hills are ranked 19th and 20th while Pinkerton Academy which was third at NXN Northeast are not even ranked. It does not make sense how these teams are ranked finishing 5th and 6th at their regional meet

I can't speak entirely for Paul, but I would say that these rankings are heavily weighted on the big championship meet(s) at the end of the season. Trinity Prep 50 points behind everyone at NXN doesn't help its cause, or the Southeast's. Davis UT didn't finish well, not taking away from a strong October. Seventh in the region -- albeit a strong region -- hurts. I totally understand bringing these two teams up ... they are probably 31 and 32.

Still no love for Trinity Prep… I thought maybe when we beat Dulaney and Mount Tabor, two teams both ranked in the top 30 last time these rankings came out, we would make it in today! NXN did not go well for us but we definitely proved something at NXN-SE.

I am surprised Davis was arguably the best team in Utah. They really only had 1 bad race all season

No Davis UT boys?