The boys of Middlesex cross-country running traveled to Southborough on a warm autumnal Saturday for an early season showdown against ISL rivals St. Mark's, Milton and Thayer. Recent improvements to the historic course had widened numerous narrow defiles and smoothed rough footing on the woodland trails, and the dry weather and firm track portended a stern test of the racers' speed and fitness.

The varsity seven, undermanned but undeterred, swept the opposition, overcoming St. Mark's 22-37, dominating Milton 19-44 and achieving a perfect 15-50 scoreline over Thayer Academy. Junior Caleb Gartner won the race in a season-best 16:55, while clutch performances by his varsity teammates sealed another win for the undefeated Zebras. Juniors David Latham (17:40) and Mac Hadden (17:45) showed their mettle as stalwarts of the top five, finishing in personal-best times to hold off the home team's second runner. Juniors Andrew Harris and Connor Cross accounted for the rest of the scoring, while junior Cannon Caspar and freshman phenom Matt Wing earned displacement points by beating out the fourth runner from St. Mark's, the second runner from Milton and the Thayer frontrunner.

Freshman Peter Favero nearly picked up the individual victory in the boys' JV race, finishing second to the St. Mark's frontrunner in 19:28. Junior Caleb Krueger showed his closing speed as he seized the third overall spot, while junior Zan Danoff finished fifth, with junior Gavin Cassidy and sophomore Stone Shen rounding out the top five. Junior Sean McLaughlin and freshman Henry Horvath were the sixth and seventh runners in for the Zebras, who fell to the hosts by a 29-26 scoreline, but defeated Milton 15-45 and Thayer 15-50.

The long road trip continues for Middlesex, who will travel to Governor's Academy in Byfield for a quad meet against St. Sebastian's and defending ISL champions Tabor Academy.