Team Breakdown: PIAA District 6 Boys


D6-A Boys - Team Breakdown

The Penns Valley Area boys balanced veterans and newcomers en route to its dream 2017 season that culminated with a Class A state title in Hershey. Freshmen Colton Sands and Brendan Colwell joined with senior Chris Colwell and three other seniors on that state title team. Sands and Brendan Colwell return for their sophomore seasons, but PVA will have to replenish its roster with some breakthrough returners if it wants a shot at defending its state title in Hershey.

It could be an uphill battle for Penns Valley, but it has the base with some talented underclassmen. Let's see what the champs can do in 2018.

Marion Center Area earned the second state qualifying spot in D6-A last season before placing 13th in Hershey. Top runner Hunter Armstrong is back from last year's team (he placed fifth at districts and 16th in the state), and three others are back for MCA this season as it looks to grab another berth in states and possibly a district title.

One squad that should be strong this fall is Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy. The team returns its top three from last season -- all of which are rising juniors. Carter Kauffman took sixth at districts, and then placed 23rd at states. SJCA may have the pieces to make a run at the district title, too.

Purchase Line was third at districts last year, missing a states spot by 11 points. Their top two -- both seniors -- are gone, but freshman Gabriel Crawford, a '17 state qualifier, is back. United brings back five varsity runners from last year's team and should contend for the top two and a states spot as well.