2A- Westminster Boys Pack Tight, Flowers Comes Back Strong Taking Individual Crown
Marcus Gouthro of Riverside Military Academy took a quick early lead as Flowers was pack running and pacing his teammates for the first loop it looked like. Westminster had a very strong start with all five in the top 15 and Wesleyan looking like they were out of it. Wesleyan didn't give up though, and was clearly running from behind and moving up late. Westminster was fading but clearly not enough to make it close.
Jordan Flowers stalks Marcus Gouthro (r) and chasing him is teamate Huff (bl) and Eddie Stafford (br) Image by Jonathan Speights
It was quite a race thru 2.5 miles between Marcus Gouthro from RMA as he led going into loop 2, followed by Eddie Stafford and Jordan Flowers with a host of Westminster and Wesleyan lads in tow. At 12:58, Flowers had a slim lead of 8-10 meters on Gouthro coming into the playground. Flowers took over the lead after the 2 mile and pulled away for the win. Flowers used his Track speed the final 800 meters creating a cushion between Gouthro winning the overall title in 17:22. It was a very gratifying victory as Jordan battled thru mono at 2012 State. He also allowed if he decides to race Foot Locker, it will be his final Cross Country race. Gouthro hung tough having an incredible race taking runnerup honors in 17:33 nipping Westminster's Graham Huff as he had just passed Benedictine's Sam Geha the final 5 meters crossing 3rd in 17:34.35 to Geha's 17:34.92
Marcus Gouthro of Riverside Military leads Jordan Flowers cresting 'Separation Hill' Image by Jonathan Speights
Westminster held four in the top 10 including Charlie McKnight and Jack Bondurant placing 7th and 9th. But Wesleyan was still strong 2nd with 4 in the top 12 scoring 57 points. But it wasn't meant to be as Westminster was stronger at #5. 2 Wolves earned All-State gear including soph Henry Collins in 5th at 17:44 and 6-A region champ Matt Moratti 7th in 17:48. Bleckly County ran well as a team once again placing 3rd over a Lovett crew who just didn't have any front runners to get them the low points. The Royals with 132 points were paced by the 13th place finish of Logan Bridges. Lovett easily secured 4th place, with Jefferson 5th and Calhoun a surprising 6th. Other runners in the top 10 were Guthrie Edwards of Pelham in 8th at 17:57 and Sid Wightman from Oglethorpe County 10th in 17:59.
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