The boys’ varsity cross-country team hopes to take home the first-place trophy as it prepares for the district meet at Viera High School on Saturday.

“As a team we are going to have to battle it out with Viera for first place,” senior Jacob Kent said. “But I am excited for [the race] because we have beaten them in the past, and I know everyone is ready to do it again.”

As a senior, Kent said he is going into the race with a different attitude than he had in previous years.

“I feel as though I’m more responsible for the team winning or losing, so I’m trying very hard to do everything I can to lead the team to a victory,” he said. “I am just trying to give it my all because I know there will not be a next year to make it up.”

Sophomore Samuel Oliver said the team has what it takes to defend its title as district champion.

“We have been running difficult workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays which have prepared us for this race,” he said. “If every person gets their projected place, we will win.”

The boys will be running at 8:10 a.m. following the girls’ race which starts at 7:30 a.m.

By Jonelle Plahuta