XC Teams run in Bulldog Invitational

The cross country programs loaded up and took the 30 minute drive across the river for the 4th Annual Bulldog Invitational. The teams not only had to battle stiff competition but the unusually hot weather.
The MS boys team raced first. Missing a few runners due to sickness left the team short handed but the team still raced well. Once again 8th grader Mario Franco led the way for the Yellow Jacket squad finishing 6th overall and helping the team to a 4th place finish.
In the girls race Mattie Claire Worthington (3rd place), Avery Haley (7th place), and Fernanda Valdelamar (10th place) all medaled and led the Lady Jackets to a third place finish with 49 points just behind Richmond Hill (40 points) and Southeast Bulloch (44 points).
In the HS races both the boys and girls each had five runners finish in the Top 20 and receive medals, leading the way for both teams to finish first in both the boys and girls races. The combined effort also helped the group be awarded the Grand Champion trophy, which is awarded to the program with lowest combined team scores.
The school’s combined score of 98 was 150 points better than the next school, Vidalia High School which finished with a combined score of 248 points.
Pierce Parlor (2nd), Kevin Vega (5th), Josue Avila (9th), Gael Valora (10th), and Joseluis Mendoza (19th) all medaled for the boys team. Alex Uribe (4th) Ellie Kate Marchant (5th), Joselyn Avila (12th), Flor Rangel (19th), and Rebeca Lopez (20th) also medaled for the girls team.
The High School teams will be back in action Thursday when they travel to Bleckley County for the 2-Mile Night Race.