NOTE: This 2011 cross country preview covers the area from north Scottsdale west through Phoenix, the southwest and northwest Valley, northwest Arizona, northern Arizona and northeast Arizona, including Native American communities.

By Don Ketchum

If everything falls into place, Phoenix Xavier Prep stands a good chance to win its fifth straight big-school girls cross country championship (Division I) this fall.

One of the main reasons is the return of individual state champ Sarah Fakler, now a junior. Another factor for the Gators will be senior Breanna Perrone, who finished sixth.

But there still is plenty of attention to be spread around.

In Division III, senior Rolonda Jumbo of Chinle is back to build on the legend that has allowed her to become one of the top runners in the state’s history, regardless of classification.

In Division IV, Keams Canyon Hopi is almost as much of a certainty as the sun rising every day. As for the division’s individual leader, look to Sanders Valley’s Chelena Betoney to make a strong bid for another championship.

Prescott appears to have a good mix of youth and veteran leadership under coach Clark Tenney.

The top runners for the Badgers are sophomore Claren Fraher, senior Emily Rupp, junior Tiana Chapple, senior Sami Austin and sophomore Maddie Coyne.

The team will get a good idea of where it stands entering the home stretch of the season with the popular Yavapai County meet on Oct. 19, featuring all the schools from the county.

Glendale Mountain Ridge has a young team, but its runners are capable of climbing the ladder in a hurry.

The runners are sophomore Cari Steen, sophomore Christiana Benites, junior Ellie Wiemeyer and junior Karen Hanson. It is Hanson’s first year of cross country after excelling in track as a hurdler last spring. The adjustment has been fairly smooth so far, according to coach Don Tate.

Scottsdale Saguaro also figures to be in the title mix, with senior Nicole Jacubczyk, sophomore Megan Boyd and senior Olivia Brancati.

Goodyear Desert Edge appears to be building a competitive girls program, just as it is with the boys.

The Scorpions’ leaders are seniors Amanda Phomsavanh and Elizabeth Heinz.

Flagstaff finished third in Division III last season but now has moved up to Division II. Coach Trina Painter, a former state champ at Phoenix Horizon, lists Tatianna Gillick as her top runner. Gillick was fifth in the state as a freshman.

Brandon Bertram is energized by his chance to lead Phoenix Trevor Browne’s program for the first time. He has worked with most of the runners as the track team’s distance coach in the spring.

He has two senior co-captains, Precious Lopez and Clarissa Sanchez. The latter had split time between cross country and volleyball in previous seasons, but now is devoting her efforts to running full-time, according to the coach.

“Our girls have gained a respect for the sport and have learned the hard work it takes,’’ Bertram said.

Other runners to watch: Kirsten Linnartz of Phoenix Sunnyslope, Emma Schraner of Cottonwood Mingus and the Hopi quartet of Ashley Onsae, Brittany Little, Claryn Josytewa and Kaitlin Billy.

The state meet will be held again at the Cave Creek Golf Course in north Phoenix on Nov. 5.

To find out which division your team is in, go to AIA365.com, click on the “Sports/Activities’’ line on the left side of the page and then AIA Divisions and Sections – Final Placement by Sport – 2011-2013.