There was certainly plenty of buzz headed into the PIAA State Championships about the team battle in AAA Boys'. After Downingtown West's big win with just 57 points last season, it looked like things would be a lot closer this time around.
Instead, Council Rock North made it a not so close affair at Hershey winning by 42 points over the second place team. North did it with a full team effort. Ryan Campbell continues to improve with every race. He led the way for Rock, placing seventh overall. Then Bryan Keller, Sam Earley and Tim Haas came in at spots 23, 25, and 26 respectively.
The difference maker for North was the fifth man, Ethan Koza. Koza took 43rd overall, a full 48 spots better than the next best fifth man (which came from Downingtown West). North managed just a 51 second 1-5 gap, as they took down some expected challengers in Carlisle, Downingtown West, Seneca Valley, and LaSalle.
North will look next to NXR Northeast, where they will duel with some strong schools from the region, including Christian Brothers Academy from New Jersey.
Watch interviews with the Council Rock North boys and coach Dave Marrington below: