The time has come. The top-ranked OPRF boys cross-country team will go head-to-head — or foot-to-foot — with No. 2-ranked York today, (Sept. 30, 4:30 p.m.) on the Huskies’ home course at Schiller Woods, Irving Park Rd. and Cumberland Ave.
OPRF hasn’t defeated the powerhouse Dukes in a dual meet since 2001, but two weeks ago proved this could be the season. The Huskies finished second on the Detweiller Park course in Peoria, defeating several teams that included the Dukes, who finished third at the Class 3A State Meet last season.
Under legendary head coach Joe Newton, York has won 27 state titles. OPRF has never won a state title in boys cross-country.
“Today is really the most anticipated meet in years for us,” said OPRF head coach Jose Sosa, who has been going up against Newton for 31 years. “It’s No. 1 versus No. 2 and it’s a dual meet where it’s just the two teams out there, not a bunch of runners from different teams. It’s one-on-one. We can see how good we really are with this race.”
OPRF’s top runner Malachy Schrobilgen, who finished second in Peoria, will go up against Jack Driggs, who recently won the Palatine Invitational.
Nicki Reyes returns to the lineup for the Huskies. Reyes has been out with an illness. York is expected run sophomore Scott Milling.
“We’re just going to try to keep those with green jerseys behind us as much as possible,” said Sosa.
