Clarke scores a perfect 15 at Region B

CHARLOTTESVILLE — The Clarke County boys cross country team posted a perfect score of 15 points to win the Region B Cross Country Championships held Wednesday at Panorama Farms.

The Eagles placed the first six individuals past the finish line before any other runners.

Both Augusta County boys teams participated in the meet with Riverheads finishing eighth out of the 12 teams, while Buffalo Gap was 10th.

Riverheads’ Kenneth Cash led the Gladiators with a 38th place finish. Cash finished the course in 18 minutes, 53 seconds.

“That hill on the last mile was tough,” Cash said. “I was surprised at how fast the pace was.”

Riverheads junior Scott Toombs was the next best finisher for the Red Pride in 51st position.

For Buffalo Gap, junior Hunter Michael led his team with a time of 19:31 in 54th.

“The course was the hardest I’ve run,” Michael said. “It was a good run.”

The Bison boys had five seniors running for the first time this season.

The regional meet marked the last competition for retiring Bison coach Mike Harmon, who was the meet director.

“Our guys have a good foundation,” Harmon said. “We have a good nucleus coming back.

Riverheads and Buffalo Gap sent two girls each to the regionals.

Junior Jill Jackson of Riverheads led her team with a time of 22:29, good for 24th place.

Riverheads senior Noelia Nunez finished her running career with a time of 24:25.

“Both girls ran competitively,” said Riverheads coach Bree Weisenburger. “They were right on their best races of the year.”

For the Bison, sisters Kelly and Grace Sheridan finished in 33rd and 39th places respectively.

“Grace really stepped up today,” said Bison coach Wayne Paxton. “This is the first time she’s beaten her sister. They are really competitive against each other.”

In the girls team competition, George Mason paced the field with 39 points.

Strasburg sophomore Katlyn Ayers set a blistering pace to finish first with a time of 18:50.