The J.Z. George cross-country team got its 2018 season going this past weekend as the girls and boys teams competed in a meet in Starkville.
Head coach Marshall Guess believes he has the making of a potential state champion on the boys side.
"We had 10 to run Saturday out of the 14 or 15 on the team, and our top three runners weren't able to run, and we still had a good meet," said Guess, who is in his first year as the cross-country coach.
"We had some other boys to step up and do really well. I really believe this group can compete for a state championship in November."
Chris Rias had the best showing for the Jaguars as he placed 32nd overall with a time of 23:14.10. He was closely followed by teammate Alexander Criss, who was 33rd with a time of 23:22.30. Jonquavain Green was 34th (time not available).
Marqunn Watt came in 40th overall with a time of 23:54.80, and Keldrick Glover was 57th with a time of 27:44.70. He was just seconds ahead of Prentice Archie, who was 58th with a time of 27:48.20. Jordan Cobbins came in 61st with a time of 29:13.50, and Fred Howard placed 64th with a time of 30:07.10.
Jeterrion Reaves and LaDouglas Townsend placed 67th and 68th with times of 31:25.50 and 35:36.70, respectively.
The Lady Jaguars came in third overall at Starkville.
"We have a very young group. The team is mostly made up of 7th- and 8th-graders. Most of these girls had never run in a competitive meet, so I'm real proud of their outcome," said Guess.
Daveonna Catron came in 31st with a time of 36:13.2, and Aniya Williams was 35th in a time of 38:34. Sharisa Gladness and Jniesha Cobbins came in 37th and 38th overall with times of 39:49.20 and 39:58.90.
Ariana Ward, DeNijah Walls and Brianna Wade finished, 41st, 43rd and 44th with times of 41:56.50, 43:59.20 and 47:23.60.
J.Z. George will run in a meet on Oct. 13 in Winona.
