THOMASVILLE – Thomas County Central’s boys and girls cross country teams raced to first-place finishes in their final regular season meet last Saturday.

Led by Cadence Curnalia’s first-place finish in the girls division, the Lady Jackets won at the Pelham Hornets Invitational, while the boys were also victorious, led by Johnny Bradshaw’s fourth place and Kamyias Jackson’s fifth place.

“Especially since we just got off of fall break two weeks ago, it was a great way to keep us focused. It’s a really good meet,” said head coach Rosalie Wilson. “I really like the Pelham coach; he does a good job. It was a great way to keep our focus, give us something to look forward to.”

Central will next compete at the Region 1-6A meet, scheduled for Thursday in Tifton at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College.

“We are very excited. Each of our runners have a plan and they know what they’re supposed to do. We’re working hard and staying focused,” Wilson said. “It’s not going to be easy. If we qualify, each person will have to do their job. We think we have a great group of kids. We know that they can perform, so we’re very hopeful, excited and confident in them and their ability to do the best they can.”

The top four region teams will qualify for the state cross country meet, held Nov. 3-4 in Carrollton.