The Warrenton boys track team is looking for an elusive conference title as it heads to Winfield Friday for the Gateway Athletic Conference North meet.

“We’ve finished second the last three or four years, so hopefully we’re done knocking on the door and we bring it home this year,” Head Coach Steve McDowell said.

The Warriors finished second last year behind Liberty.

This year, the Warriors are ranked in the top three in the conference in nine events, headlined by Andrew Smith in the long jump.

The sophomore is currently first in the conference after jumping 19 feet, 5 inches at last month’s St. Dominic Crusader Invite.

Ruben Varnado, who qualified for the state meet in the discus and shot put last year, is ranked second in both events behind Winfield’s Dalton Lefholz.

“I think Ruben has a great opportunity in the shot and disc,” McDowell said.

The 800-meter relay, which has impressed McDowell all season, is third in the conference with a season-best time of 1 minute, 34.37 seconds.

St. Charles West (1:32.54) and St. Charles (1:32.90) are first and second, respectively.

“The 4X2 is going to be really tough,” McDowell said. “St. Charles West has a good squad in the 4X2 and 4X4.”

Warrenton also is second behind West in the 1,600-meter relay.

Paul Sanders (second) and Brandon Molinari (third) are expected to help the Warriors in the 400-meter, as well.

“I think we’re going to have to hit in all areas this year and get points all the way around. We’re going to compete for it, most definitely,” McDowell said. “That’s what we want to be able to do. When you can get a bunch of those seconds and thirds, that’s what really adds the points up for you. Having that depth gives you a big advantage.”