LAKEWOOD — Kris Carle easily outdistanced the rest of the field as the Jackson High School boys cross country team captured the Ocean County Championship last Saturday at Ocean County Park.

Carle posted a first-place time of 15:44 as the Jaguars knocked off defending champion Toms River High School North.

Jackson sophomore Austin Santillo was sixth overall with a time of 16:20. Monroe Kearns placed 11th in 16:50, while teammate junior Ryan Fenimore was 15th with a time of 17:02. Anthony Meleo was 17th in 17:04.

The girls team also captured the title. Led by Amanda Marino and Jenn Clausen, the Lady Jaguars placed four runners in the top 10 to win the crown in routine fashion.

Marino, who has been one of the team’s top performers this season, finished second overall behind Southern’s Danielle Tauro, with a time of 17:35. Tauro edged Marino by just one second in a race that came down to a sprint for the finish line.

Clausen was third (18:21), while teammate freshman Devin Slovik was fourth in 18:39. Ashley Avilleira placed eighth in 19:15. Valerie Sidhoum finished 14th (20:01) and sophomore Tara Thompson was 20th (20:05).

Saturday, at Holmdel Park, Shore Conference championships will be the prize on the line. The best from Monmouth County will be going off against the best from Ocean County.

The Colts Neck girls are expected to challenge the Jackson girls for the team title in what may very well be a preview of the Meet of Champions final. Jackson entered the season ranked No.1 in the state, only to finish behind Colts Neck at the Eastern Invitational. Both teams will be going full out on Saturday.

— Mike White