The Falcon cross country team hosted its final meet of the regular season Saturday, competing against 15 teams from around the state at Fountain Hills High School.

The girls went on to take first place as a team while the boys managed to claim fifth.

Overall, head coach Chris Davis said he was rather pleased with the results.

“Fifteen teams showed up and there were no slouches, either,” Davis said.

“It was a real good meet. It was like a warm-up for sectionals. The other teams seemed to enjoy it, too. We had a good course and it was warm, but it never got hot.”

Saturday’s event began at 8 a.m. with the boys running their regular race. The girls followed, which was in turn followed by an open race for those who did not run in the main event.

Running out of the high school campus this time around, the course circled the high school track once before disappearing over the hill into Golden Eagle Park. Runners made their way around the park before heading back onto the FHHS campus. After 3.1 miles, they finally hit the finish line.

According to Davis, the meet ran as smooth as he could ever hope.

“We have outstanding parents who volunteer their time and support us at these meets,” Davis said.

“It’s great, and they work well together as a team running clocks, taking tags, getting names and everything. Without them, our home meets wouldn’t be successful.”

Now that the final regular meet is all wrapped up, the Falcons are ready to take part in the sectional competition over the weekend.

That race is set for Saturday, Nov. 2, with the girls hitting the course at 11 a.m. and the boys taking off at 11:30 a.m. An awards assembly is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

For those who want to attend, the Division III, Section III race will be hosted out of Skunk Creek Landfill, 3165 W. Happy Valley Rd. in Phoenix. Visitors are asked to park in the “park and ride” lot on 29th Ave. south of Happy Valley Road.

“If we finish in the top six at sectionals, we go to state,” Davis said.

“I expect good things out of this race, so long as everyone stays healthy. We’re ready.”

Boys

The boys kicked off the event Saturday morning with the Falcons’ Scott Jarriell taking fourth place overall, coming in at 17:16 and leading the charge for the home team.

Hayden Brecto was the second Falcon to cross the line at 18:05, followed by Evan Cain at 18:42.

Garrett Sweetland ran a 19:09 on the day, with the final scoring finish going to Ryder Worden at 19:32.

All told, the boys came in with 123 team points, good enough for fifth place. The Falcons trailed Estrella Foothills at 108, Casa Grande at 103, Dobson High School at 79 and Rincon University at a low 66.

“Sweetland was hurt this week, but he still had a decent time,” Davis said.

“Jarriel’s 17:16 was great.”

Several boys also took part in the open event. Jordan Smout finished at 21:29 with Taylor Saladino coming in at 21:35.

Jason Sahr crossed at 21:40 while Tiger Elwood finished up at 21:58.

The fifth finisher for the Falcons in the open was Cole McAuliff at 23:20.

Girls

As for the girls, Sierra Jarriel took her usual place at the front of the flock, coming in first overall at 19:26, besting the second place runner by nearly 30 seconds.

Brooke Yost was second for the ladies at 20:47, closely followed by her sister, Erika, at 20:51.

Hope Brecto took the fourth spot at 21:35 with Danica Kerr finishing up at 22:09. The Falcons’ top five finished in the top 15 overall.

All told, the team brought in just 28 points, good enough for first place. Second went to Paradise Honors at 90 with the top three rounded out by Estrella Foothills at 92.

“Our top finishers were all in the low 20s, which is exactly where I was hoping they would be,” Davis said.

“I said several weeks ago that we would be dangerous if we could get there, and that’s what they did.”

Davis said that if the ladies continue to perform this well over the weekend, the Falcons will be looking mighty strong for the post season.

“All of the times were good,” Davis said.

“Taylor Johnson and Emmie Lawrence were nice and low, too. Kerr ran her best time all year and did a great job, and then Elizabeth Smout earned her first medaling time in the open.”

Speaking of the open, the Falcons had quite a flock finish early on. Kelsey Schultz, Kailee Martin, Courtney Wise and Michelle Farella all finished back-to-back with their respective times of 24:03, 24:04, 24:08 and 24:25. Madi Blaes also did well, crossing at 26:40.