Picking the top cross-country teams in the state before the season begins is never easy. A lot can happen over the course of three months. Athletes can experience breakthrough seasons, newcomers can emerge as key contributors, and, of course, injuries to important runners can quickly change the outlook for a team.
But we’ll do our best to set the stage for what we expect will be another exciting season on the trails. For some of the state’s top teams, the outlook appears fairly straightforward if everything goes according to plan. For others, however, the picture is far less clear, and where they’ll ultimately finish by season’s end remains anyone’s guess.
Beginning with No. 10 and counting down to No. 1, here’s our preseason ranking of the top 10 boys’ and girls’ teams in the state. As always, if we’ve given your team a little bulletin-board material based on our rankings, you’re welcome. It certainly won’t be the first time.
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No. 10, Portsmouth
Last year’s results: Third, Metropolitan Division; Third, RIIL Class B Championships; Eighth, RIIL State Championships
Key returnees: Patrick Orbon, Senior; 16:00.81; Gavin Braman, Senior, 17:42.62; Dean Prior, Senior, 18:12.92; Blake McNeill, Junior; 18:30.26; Greyson Barth, Sophomore; 18:45.52
Outlook: Really, there are several schools that could occupy this spot.
So why Portsmouth? We’ll admit part of it is a hunch based on the Patriots’ success over the past few years, highlighted by their eighth-place finish at the State Meet in 2025. More importantly, though, we believe they have enough talent returning to once again finish among the state’s top 10 teams.
There’s no question Portsmouth has a significant void to fill following the graduation of individual state champion Sean Gray, who is now preparing for his freshman season at the University of Virginia. Gray didn’t just win the state title. He also captured the New England Championships and Nike Cross Northeast Regional titles before earning All-America honors at Nike Cross Nationals. Replacing that kind of talent won’t be easy.
Portsmouth also has the potential to field at least four varsity runners under 18 minutes this season. Ben Braman has already broken that barrier with a personal-best 17:42.62 at the East Bay Invitational on the faster terrain of Glen Park, while Prior and McNeill appear capable of joining him.
It’s still early, and plenty can change between now and November. But if the Patriots develop the depth we’re anticipating, they should once again find themselves among the state’s top 10 teams.
