Mustang harriers gallop past Rocks, 16-40

  At times Tuesday afternoon, the Northville Mustangs ran like Ford Mustangs around the Cass Benton cross-country trail.

  The high-powered effort led the hosts to a 16-40 victory over KLAA Central Division rival Salem in a dual meet run in unseasonably warm temperatures.

  Led by first-place finisher Chad Cini, the winners claimed five of the first six spots to run away with their second-straight division victory.

  Chad Cini set the pace, covering the challenging 5-kilometer course in 17:42. Northville's Ed Clifton (17:56), Christian Guenther (18:03) and Robert Singletary (18:06) filled out the top four spots.

  Salem's top runner was Andy Rabe, who finished fifth in 18:11.

  After Northville's Neson Nesmith (18:17) and Trent Johnson (18:18) grabbed the sixth and seventh places, respectively, Salem's Michael Karizat (18:20) and Steve McEvilly (18:23) took eighth and ninth.

  Salem's final two scorers were Jimmy Daniels (12th in 18:44) and Max Koval, who crossed the line in 16th place with a clocking of 19:12.

Salem's Andy Rabe (left) gets ready to ascend the final hill. (Ed Wright photo)