JCHS Girls Cross Country Wins Region 8, Boys Advance to State
![JCHS Girls Cross Country Wins Region 8, Boys Advance to State]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1730723918/jacksonschoolsgaorg/d0z5fsqx2avpcsksfmft/IMG_3310.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1730723918/jacksonschoolsgaorg/d0z5fsqx2avpcsksfmft/IMG_3310.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1730723918/jacksonschoolsgaorg/d0z5fsqx2avpcsksfmft/IMG_3310.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1730723918/jacksonschoolsgaorg/d0z5fsqx2avpcsksfmft/IMG_3310.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1730723918/jacksonschoolsgaorg/d0z5fsqx2avpcsksfmft/IMG_3310.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1730723918/jacksonschoolsgaorg/d0z5fsqx2avpcsksfmft/IMG_3310.jpg","width":2000}])
The Jackson County girls cross country team claimed the Region 8-AAAAA championship Saturday during the Class AAAAA Sectionals in Toombs County. The Lady Panthers finished with 148 points, fourth best in the sectional event and top in the region by 84 points. The Jackson County boys also qualified for the state championship meet, which will be held this weekend in Carrollton. This marks the JCHS boys qualifying for state for the first time in six years.
Jackson County senior Erin O'Brien finished sixth overall in the sectional event with a time of 19:12.90, while seniors Kendall Goetzman (20:22.82) and Jordan Starling (20:23.73) finished 21st and 24th, respectively. Sophomore Loralei Eager (20:52.10) finished 36th overall, while senior Ingrid Cassillas finished 61st with a time of 21:43.89.
On the boys side, freshman Elijah Avrett finished 11th overall with a time of 16:14.74, while junior Gavin Howland (16:53.75) finished 31st overall. Junior Adam Thomas (17:50.35), Gabe Spivey (18:02.33) and Madux Wright (18:27.40) rounded out the top five for the Panthers.