Summary:  The reason for breaking with the speed ratings numbers on this race is both the recent history of the S1-B clashes and the compositions of the two teams. Pearl River and Mary Borkoski had another fantastic day at Rockland County while finishing within shouting distance of North Rockland. John Jay-Cross River's pack ground out an easy win at Westchester County while resting last year's recuperating frontrunner Pippa Nuttall. JJ-CR is three-time reigning S1-B champs and in each of the last three years has won by more than expected from the TR projections. The Pirates have an advantage with Borkoski and Boylan at top, and the Indians will need to pack their top 5 into that sweet spot in front of the main clump of finishers to earn another title. Pearl River has its best team in years, and JJ-CR has no one in the top 5 of S1-B, so this should be one of the best of the Sectional showdowns. Tappan Zee also has strength at the top with Alexandra Thomas and some younger runners who might be ready to make a leap. Thomas and Borkoski finished 2nd and 3rd behind Lourdes' Caroline Timm last year, and both had similar times in strong runs at Section 1 Coaches at Bowdoin two weeks ago.