STATE CHAMPS: Branch boys claim title in Carrollton; North Hall boys 2nd

CARROLLTON -- The Flowery Branch boys cross country team keeps running its way to the top.

The Falcons claimed their third state title on Saturday in Carrollton and first Class AAAA crown, meanwhile, the Flowery Branch girls claimed second in Class AAAA, while the North Hall boys finished second in Class AAA.

Drew Garland paced Flowery Branch at the state meet, finishing in 16:37 for eighth place individually, as the Falcons edged out Marist for the team title.

Taylor Fiorello also finished 12th individually for Flowery Branch (16:49), while Luis Teran was 15th with a time of 16:57. Nicholas Ashmead and Austin Webber also finished 18th and 19th, respectively.

The Falcons claimed the Region 8-AAAA crown last week.

The Flowery Branch girls were led by Megan Kirk (20:27), who finished 21st individually, while Brittany Wells was 25th at 20:33. Lauren Kirk was also 27th at 20:37.

After being the bridesmaid last season, the North hall boys cross country team was hoping to finally get the ultimate ring Saturday at the Class AAA state meet.

Unfortunately, the Trojans will have to once again accept the ugly dress after just missing out on the state title, losing to St. Pius by one point (75-76) in a race that required nearly 30 minutes to examine for the official results.

"We ran a good race as a team but we're disappointed that we weren't able to finally get the top spot," North Hall coach Drew Rogers said. "To get that close and not win it is a little frustrating. If just two guys finish one spot higher or finish one spot higher than one St. Pius guy then we win the title. The guys were down a little but they have nothing to be ashamed of. They ran well and did the best they could. I was proud of them."

The AAA boys race came in with three teams