The Capital High cross country teams ran in packs in the Crosstown dual meet Wednesday, but Helena ran in front and that carried the Bengals to a pair of wins at Bill Roberts Golf Course.

Helena's Dan Osborne led a 1-2-3 finish in the boys race, while Mara Menahan led a 1-2 finish in the girls race to propel the Bengals to victories in the final event prior to the state meet, Oct. 25, in Missoula.

Helena won the boys race, 23-33, and the girls race, 24-31.

"The race really went well for us, right off, too," said Helena's Colten McCullough, who finished third. "This is a great way to go into our final preparation for state."

Osborne finished the three-mile course in 16 minutes, 35 seconds. Matt Barker placed second in 16:46 and McCullough finished third in 16:55.

Capital runners finished 4-5-6-7 in the boys race, led by Hunter Bossler, who finished in 17:09. The pack included John Gilboy, Chris Nichols and Maverick Mansfield, who all finished within six seconds of the pack leader.

The Capital pack had McCullough somewhat worried about the final score.

"I looked back a couple times and saw all of them in a pack and knew the score would be close," he said.

Osborne had a different view.

"When you go 1-2-3, there's no way you can lose," he said. "I think if we run like this again, we're going to get a trophy at state."

Helena coach Kelley Gilbert said the Bengals have been performing at a level where they're a team to watch not just for a trophy but for the top trophy.

"Bozeman is the favorite in the meet, but we've got a chance," he said. "They've got 12 really strong guys, but they can only run seven of them in the state meet.

"And, we've got strong guys, and if we run really well and catch them on the right day, we've got a shot."

Menahan ran with teammate Anna Metropoulos for the first half of the race and then cruised to the finish line in 19:40 for the win.

Metropoulos finished in 19:58.

Capital's Alex McBroom finished third in 20:18.

The Bruins had a pack of four runners together at the two-mile mark, but Helena's Amy Bischoff broke through and finished seventh, splitting the four Capital runners.

Menahan said she felt great about her performance in the race.

"I've had shin splints and have only been able to train on a bike, so I'm real happy with how this turned out," she said.

For race results see page 2B.

Sports Editor Cliff Pfenning: 447-4070 or cliff.pfenning@helenair.com