The Jeff Davis High School cross country teams welcomed runners from across Georgia to Hazlehurst on Thursday, October 8, for the Three Rivers XC Classic, with the Yellow Jackets delivering several impressive performances as the season approaches its final stretch.
The meet featured 26 high school teams, including programs traveling from as far away as Jackson, Georgia. In addition to the varsity and junior varsity races, the event included a Senior Recognition Parade honoring graduating runners.
The Jeff Davis girls finished third overall, while the boys placed seventh in a competitive field.
Sophomore Luke Relihan turned in one of the day’s standout performances, finishing sixth overall with a personal-best time of 17:46.70 in the 5,000-meter race. It marked the first time Relihan had broken the 18-minute barrier, a significant milestone that also moved him into second place on the Jeff Davis program’s all-time sophomore record list.
Senior Mario Franco finished close behind, taking eighth place with a time of 17:52.00, giving Jeff Davis two runners among the top 10 finishers.
The Jackets finished seventh overall with 224 points.
Other Jeff Davis boys’ results included:
- Peyton Hamilton — 59th, 19:58.20
- Duke Mincey — 63rd, 20:01.90
- Jesse Galvan — 96th, 21:00.60
- Ivan Sanchez — 99th, 21:04.70
- Chase Hughes — 111th, 21:40.70
- Preston Godwin — 135th, 22:53.60
- Harrison Miller — 137th, 22:54.90
Bleckley County claimed the boys’ team championship with 45 points, followed by Vidalia with 79 and Glynn Academy with 92.
The Jeff Davis girls continued their strong season with a third-place team finish, totaling 116 points behind Brunswick and Bleckley County.
Sophomore Jade Franco led the Jackets with a 14th-place finish in 21:53.90, followed closely by senior Avery Haley, who placed 15th in 21:58.30.
Freshman Brenlee Boatright also delivered a strong performance, finishing 23rd with a time of 22:22.30.
The remaining Jeff Davis girls finished as follows:
- Laysie Lewis — 31st, 23:10.20
- Cadence Ellis — 33rd, 23:37.30
- Marley Powell — 34th, 23:50.10
- Aurie Taylor — 57th, 25:27.90
According to the team’s report, every Jeff Davis girls’ runner recorded either a personal-best or season-best time, an encouraging sign as the team prepares for the postseason.
Brunswick won the girls’ team title with 42 points, followed by Bleckley County with 67.
Middle School State Championship Update
While the high school teams competed at home, the Jeff Davis Middle School cross country teams were scheduled to participate in the Georgia Middle School State Championship in Cochran over the weekend.
Unfortunately, the teams were unable to travel because of safety concerns related to the weather.
The championship meet proceeded despite the unfavorable conditions.
The cancellation was a disappointing end to what had been an outstanding season for the middle school runners. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams had been looking forward to competing at the state level after their successful performances throughout the season, including sweeping their league championships.
Up Next for the Jackets
The Jeff Davis High School cross country teams will return to competition on Saturday, October 17, when they travel to Richmond Hill for the Richmond Hill Invitational.
With personal records falling and the girls’ team continuing to post strong finishes, the Jackets will look to carry that momentum into their next competition.
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