MBL cross country finals

 Alisal would seem to have the momentum, having defeated Palma in the last two Gabilan Division Center Meets -- each time by a larger margin of points.
 Yet, the Chieftains may have the edge, because the Gabilan Division finals Saturday will be at Toro Park, where they have beaten Alisal twice this year.
 Either way, it is expected to be a tight finish as Palma has arguably three of the top 10 runners in the Gabilan Division, while Alisal's depth puts six of its runners in the top 15.
 Palma distance ace Sam Lavorato will be a big favorite, having won all three league Center Meets at three different locations this fall.
 The junior won the Pacific Division title last year, reaching the state Division IV championships with teammate Tommy Padilla, who will chase Lavorato Saturday.
 One team that could disrupt the scoring and final standings is defending champion San Benito, who fell to Palma and Alisal by a point in the second Center Meet.
 San Benito is the class of the girls division, although Notre Dame sophomore Angela Leavitt won all three Center Meets.
 The Pacific Division championships will also be held Saturday at Toro. Isaac Gensel won the third Center Meet for Monterey while Gilroy's Chris Chavez won the second Center Meet.
 A sleeper in the meet is Seaside's Keanu Ramos. Gilroy is the class of the Pacific Division in both the boys and girls divisions.
 Annette Bonilla and Itse Oseguera make the Toreadores a sleeper in the girls division. Layla Ruiz of Watsonville is the favorite.


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