Heritage picked up its third straight NewRock Cross Country championship Thursday, holding off Newton in the matchup of Newton and Rockdale counties.

The Rams, with Alex Grady finishing first overall in a time 16:39, were the boys' winners by 21 points over Rockdale. With Newton tallying 27 points and Rockdale 48, Heritage was in third with 62, followed by Eastside with 117, Salem 136 and Alcovy with 170 in the boys' grouping.

Heritage made up the point differential in the girls' grouping, taking first with 47 points. Salem finished second with 55, Eastside third with 62, Rockdale fourth with 89 and Newton fifth with 106. Alcovy did not score due to lack of runners. Rockdale freshman Antwonette Thomas was the leading girls' runner in a time of 21:33.

The Patriots put up a total of 109 points to take first place overall, followed by host Newton with 133. Rockdale (137), Eastside (179), Salem (191) and Alcovy finished off the field.