Freedom’s boys cross country team defeated both its neighboring rivals, 22-31 over Liberty and 20-35 over Bethlehem Catholic, last Tuesday at Freedom High School, while Liberty defeated Becahi 21-38.

Will Alpaugh finished first for Freedom and second overall, nine seconds behind Easton’s Kevin Lapansky.

Alpaugh said, “I planned on staying behind him, but he wouldn’t let me do that. We were together for two miles, and then he picked it up, and I couldn’t close that gap. He’s a great guy to run with and good to have to improve your times. Hopefully, I’ll make up for it at leagues and districts.”

Isaac Gross placed fourth, Josh Noel was 12th, and Alex Montoya was 20th, all for the Patriots.

Jonah George placed first for Liberty and seventh overall. Pedro Larotta was 15th, and Brendan Reilly placed 16th, also for the Hurricanes.

Larotta said, “We tried to stay together. Brendan and I are on the same level, but it’s good because we push each other. I felt like I did well, and I felt good during the race.”

Bryce Orloski finished first for Becahi and 14th overall. Andy Haldaman placed 21st for the Hawks.

Haldaman said, “I started running with Bryce, and he started pulling away after the first mile. I know I passed one Freedom kid, and I tried to catch the other. I think I did pretty well. I did my second best time.”

Liberty’s girls cross country team was the winner in the battle of the city rivals, defeating Freedom 21-34, and Becahi 27-30. Becahi defeated Freedom 27-30.

Raisa Kochmaruk placed first for the Hurricanes and first overall. Grace Haas, a freshman, was second for Liberty and 16th overall.

“It’s been better than I expected because there are so many great girls, but I’ve been working really hard,” said Haas. “[Today] I kind of took it person by person. In the first half I was with a girl from Freedom, and then a girl from Northampton in the last mile.”

Haas beat both while breaking 21:00 with a time of 20:36.

Kassi Yocco placed first for Becahi and third overall, and Rowan Pepe placed second for the Hawks and ninth overall.

Pepe said, “I was just trying to keep my eye on the red ahead of me [Easton], but it was good because they run in a pack, so they’re all right there. I knew the girl from Northampton was right behind me, and everyone was yelling to her. I’m also having a leg issue, but I’m proud I’m not letting it go to my head. I broke 20:00 again.”

Ally Young finished first for Freedom and 21st overall.

The EPC cross country meet took place on Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, it took place after Press deadlines for the week. Be sure to check out next week’s edition for a full recap on the event.