Class A: Samantha Moore & Aran Johnson in a Bulldog Sweep

Boys Results | Girls Results

The Class A boys' race started conservatively. At the mile mark, a pack of ten was all together. Scarborough senior Ethan Keller was driving the train from the front, with everyone else content to wait things out. 

The pack thinned out during mile two as Deering junior Ellis Wood stepped on the gas pedal. Only Aran Johnson of Portland, Tim Collins of Hampden Academy, and Enzo Giampaolo of Lewiston were able to go with him.

Trailing behind in the chase was junior Henri Rivard of Marshwood, Atticus Merriam, and Keller of Scarborough, along with Henri McCourt of Mt. Blue, Calvin Vincent of Edward Little, and Evan Small of South Portland.

Coming out of the pain cave Collins had the lead but shortly after exiting Johnson seized the lead and used the downhill section to open up a small gap over Giampaolo. Wood remained fourth with Merriam starting to close the gap.

Johnson and Giampaolo would pull away down the homestretch with Johnson holding off the challenge to win his first individual cross-country state title with his 16:18.84 to Giampaolo's 16:22.49.

"My training has been nothing special, I think my mindset more and team mindset of being a winner,"  Johnson said of what fueled his breakthrough season.

                                               Class A Boys Photos

Merriam, a sophomore closed well over the final 200m to grab third place as he snuck by Collins before the finish line, while Wood held on for fifth.

There was a mad dash for the finish with a huge pack for the next four spots with Rivard (16:42.79), Asher Valentine of Hampden Academy (16:42.82), Vincent (16:43.05), and Keller (16:43.18). They were closely followed by senior Andrew Catalano of Bonny Eagle (16:44.92) and McCourt (16:45.51).

The expected team battle between Portland, Scarborough, and Hampden Academy was excellent. Scarborough came out strong as they had their five runners at the lead of the race after the first 400m, things settled in and the Red Storm had a slight edge after the mile.

By the time the teams emerged out of the woods just after two miles Scarborough continued to lead with 70 points, Portland was at 84 while Hampden Academy was at 86.

Scores at 2 Miles

The last mile at Twin Brook is where state championships are won and lost. Portland dug its heels in and went after the red jerseys of Scarborough as they tried to repeat as Class A champions. Hampden Academy was chasing hard as well. With around 250m to go the state title was going to go to the team that finished the strongest.

250m to Go

As the runners battled for their positions down to the finish line it was clear no one knew who had wom. Portland had the advantage in spots 1,4,5, while the Red Storm had the better 2, and 3 runners. When the dust settled and the results were posted the Red Storm of Scarborough hoisted the state championship trophy for the tenth time in Class A. Portland narrowly missed their second consecutive state title while Hampden Academy almost played spoiler. All three teams advanced to the New England Championship.

Finish Line