Canes, Lady Canes XC advance to state meet

The Cartersville boys were runner-up and the Lady Canes placed third Thursday at the Region 5-AAAA Cross Country Championships at Clinton Farms in western Douglas County.

The Canes finished behind region winner LaGrange and ahead of host Chapel Hill, Sandy Creek, and Cedartown in the top five.

The Cartersville girls were third behind Chapel Hill and LaGrange. Sandy Creek was fourth and Central-Carroll placed fifth.

The team finishes by the Hurricanes and Lady Canes advance both teams to the Class AAAA State Championship Meet on Saturday, November 3 in Carrollton.

The Cartersville boys had seven runners in the top 19 of 47 runners on Thursday led by Bill Archer (4th, 16:52) and Alex Rios (5th, 16:54). Max Florence (10th, 17:12), Harrison Banks (13th, 17:27), Parker Breedlove (14th, 17:36), Levi Booth (16th, 17:48), and Colin McCann (19th, 18:01) rounded out the Hurricanes’ performances.

Andres Sanchez of Sandy Creek won the individual title in 16:26.

The Lady Canes were led by Alex Machado (6th, 20:57) and Vanna Beach (7th, 21:07). They were followed by teammates Alice Terry (19th, 22:23), Trista Kelly (21st, 22:33), Jaxiry Betancort (24th, 22:48), Trinity Atkins (27th, 23:14), and Jocelyn Blanchette (29th, 23:24).

The girls’ race was won by Zaria White of Chapel Hill in 20:20 and included 43 runners.

The Class AAAA Boys Championship race at Carrollton High School will be Saturday, November 3 at 12:30 p.m. The Class 4A Girls race will follow at 1:15 p.m.