By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

RIO GRANDE — Nothing’s perfect, but the Fairland Dragons came as close as possible.

The Dragons claimed the first five places in the Division II District 1 cross country race on Saturday to post a perfect score in winning the district championship and gaining a berth in the regional meet at Pickerington.

“The goal was to win the district and have our top seven as all-district. We want to run good times to match that of the teams in the other race,” said Fairland coach Chuck Wentz.

Fairland had the minimum of 15 points to place ahead of runner-up Piketon that had 81 points. Lancaster Fairfield Union was third at 104 and Westfall had 128 points to place fourth.

The top four teams and any individuals in the top 16 not on a qualifying team advance to the regional meet.

Tanner Mattie led the rare sweep with a winning time of 16:56.60. Just behind him was Raine Wireman at 16:59.40 followed by Logan Rowe at 17:31.20, Ryan Stewart at 17:35.80 and Chad McComas with a 17:38.90 time.

Teams are permitted seven runners but only the top five scores are counted. Fairland’s other two runners still ran well as Josh Sifford was No. 11 with an 18:25.40 time and Dylan Hannon was 12th with an 18:26.60.

South Point’s John Archambault was No. 18 with an 18:47.40 clocking, Zach Samples was No. 51 with a 22:11.10 time and Brandon Conley was No. 67 with a 26:57.30.

Other teams scores had Circleville 129, Zane Trace 139, Meigs 153, Greenfield McClain 196 and Washington Court House 206.

In the girls’ Division II meet District 1, Fairland qualified for the regional meet by finishing third. Zane Trace had 31 points, Athens 51, Fairland 83 and Vincent Warren 92.

The Lady Dragons were led by Shanan Ashton who was 11th with a 20:49.40 time. Jessica Price was No. 16 at 21:22.78 and Megan Ashton was one spot back at 21:23.29.

Rounding out the scoring was Sydney Pettit at 22:20.53 and Sarah Warnock at 22:29.36 to finish No. 19 and No. 20, respectively.

Also for Fairland was Carrie Tanner who was No. 28 at 23:37.65 and Savanah Nelson at No. 38 with a 24:20.59 time.

Rock Hill’s Madison Nelson was No. 58 with a 30:08.47 time.

Other teams were Logan Elm with 127, Waverly 159, River Valley 187 and Meigs 220.

South Point Lady Pointers’ Sara Letchford advanced to the regional meet by placing 11th in the Division II District II race. Letchford ran a 20:56.04 time to qualify as one of the top 16 individuals.