Deerfield-Windsor, Sherwood Christian cross country teams eye state championships

ALBANY – Both Deerfield-Windsor and Sherwood Christian Academy have their eyes set on state championships as they prepare to compete in Macon on Saturday. The two local teams are riding high after dominant performances at the region level, but the challenge ahead will test their endurance and preparation.

Saturday’s GIAA state championship races will be held at the Peake Cross Country Trail at First Presbyterian Day School in Macon.

Deerfield-Windsor, competing in the AAA division, is led by senior standout Ethan Newsome, who posted a personal best time of 16:13.29 at the region meet. Freshman sensation Whatley Fountain was right behind, clocking in at 16:15.50. With Mangham Pippin, Jack Moore, and Mills Cothren rounding out the top five scorers, the Knights placed five runners in the top nine, showcasing their depth and potential to contend for a state title. Ross Garrett and Noah Tanner, who placed in the top 12 at region, will provide backup.

“Our expectation is to race hard and compete,” said Deerfield-Windsor head coach Jake Clawson. “We’re fit, and we’ve put in the work. As long as we put ourselves where we need to be, the outcome will take care of itself. The sport is about putting one foot in front of the other faster than the next guy. Ethan (Newsome) has done a great job of keeping them focused on the task at hand.”

On the girls’ side, Deerfield-Windsor dominated the region race, with Macy Hatcher, Sophie Logan, and Molly Fuller sweeping the top three spots. Emily Rutledge and Sydney Daniel finished in the top eight, while Maggie Collins and Cannon Phillips provided additional support. The Lady Knights enter the state meet with high expectations, looking to finish strong as a team.

“Molly (Fuller) has done a great job keeping the girls emotionally level and leading, and that’s just as important as how fast she’s running,” Clawson added. “I expect Macy Hatcher to challenge for an All-State spot and for Molly to lead our pack behind her. I’d love to see a top-four finish for them.”

In the AA division, Sherwood Christian Academy will lean on a tight-knit boys’ team that placed five runners in the top eight at region. Freshman Natnael Russell led the way with a second-place finish, followed by Caleb Kendrick (3rd), JP Cannon (4th), Luke Bergrab (6th), and Wesley Brooks (8th). Sherwood Christian’s boys won their region title on their home course, but the state championship course in Macon presents new challenges.

“Our biggest obstacle will be hill training,” said Sherwood Christian coach James Byrd. “The state championship course is difficult. It’s a 3.1-mile course that is all downhill until the last mile, which is uphill. In Southwest Georgia, you don’t get those hills. The teams need to run together and finish in packs. The gaps are the issue in placement and team finish.”

Sherwood Christian’s girls’ team, led by region champion Kaylee Hatcher, is also poised to make a strong showing. With Julia Kendrick, Savannah Postlewaite, Sydney Damper, and Paxton Powers rounding out the top five finishers, the Lady Eagles are hoping to improve upon last year’s second-place state finish.

“Now you go and compete,” Byrd said, noting that this is Sherwood’s first season in the GIAA Class AA after competing in the GAPPS conference last year. Byrd expects Kaylee Hatcher to finish in the top five and Russell to break into the top 10 for the boys. He also believes Caleb Kendrick and JP Cannon have the potential to surprise the field.

“JP always does better on the more difficult courses,” Byrd said. “He likes the challenge. JP is like the energizer bunny for our team. He’s an emotional runner and helps motivate us. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him finish well.”

Byrd has emphasized pacing all week, cautioning his runners not to get caught up in the early emotions of the race.

“You can’t go out too fast,” Byrd advised. “Everybody wants to sprint and get out front, but you’ve got to be disciplined. You can’t sprint for three miles. You’ve got to pace yourself.”

Sherwood’s girls will compete first in Macon Saturday with the AA girls scheduled to run at 9 a.m. The Sherwood boys will follow at 9:45 a.m. Deerfield-Windsor’s girl’s will compete at 10:30 a.m. and the boys will follow at 11:15 a.m.

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