WILSONVILLE — The state’s Class 2A/1A cross-country coaches believe the Union/Cove boys are the team to beat this season.

The Oregon School Activities Association released the coaches’ preseason poll on Wednesday, Aug. 24, and the Bobcats sit at the top of the 2A/1A poll, just ahead of Knappa and the combined team of Heppner/Ione/Condon.

Union/Cove starts the season after placing second to Knappa in last year’s state meet, falling by only two points in the team standings. The Bobcats return senior Eli Williams after his top-five finish at last year’s state meet. Also back for the year will be junior Nathaniel O’Reilly and sophomore William Mallory.

The Bobcats start the season with a trip to Parma, Idaho, on Aug. 24 before returning to Idaho on Sept. 1 to take part in the Weiser Invite.