The Cougars, who won for the first time since Sept. 11, placed five among the top 11 and scored 36 points. Runner-up Stephenson had 78.

“The girls did a real good job,” said Cougars coach Holly McDonnald. “I think this is a confidence builder going into the U.P. (Division 3) Finals.”

Mid Peninsula senior Landry Koski collected her fifth straight victory, covering the 3.1-mile course in 22 minutes, 6.3 seconds on this sunny and warm afternoon.

The Stephenson boys brought home the championship trophy after placing five in the top six and scoring 17 points. They were followed by Norway 67 and Rapid River 83.

“The course was flatter today,” said Stephenson coach Kate Kuntze. “I thought we’d have some faster times. The boys have been going back and forth (within the ranks).”

Stephenson junior Griffin Brown won in 19:31.4, followed by teammates Ethyn Lusardi (19:59.74) and Tyler Engel (20:11.9).

Holy Name freshman Joe Carlson placed fourth at 20:15.9, and Stephenson’s Buckley Corey was fifth (20:37.71).

North Central sophomore Gracie Kleikamp placed second in the girls’ race at 24:01.43, followed by Stephenson’s Kayela Putnam (24:05.78), Superior Central’s Bree Swajanen (24:27.43) and Rapid River freshman Emma Sundling (25:43.58).

“I know Mid Pen has a girl who’s an amazing runner, and Kayela is also very good,” said Kleikamp. “I just pushed myself to the limit. Stephenson has a real strong team, and I try to push myself to beat them.”

Boys

Stephenson 17, Norway 67, Rapid River 83. Superior Central, Mid Peninsula, Holy Name and North Central NTS.

Top 10 — 1, Griffin Brown, Stephenson, 19:31.4; 2, Ethyn Lusardi, Stephenson, 19:59.74; 3, Tyler Engel, Stephenson, 20:11.9; 4, Joe Carlson, Holy Name, 20:15.9; 5, Buckley Corey, Stephenson (20:37.71); 6, Donny Strazzinski, Stephenson, 20:41.93; 7, Jace Holmio, Rapid River, 20:46.74; 8, Jesse Sampson, North Central, 21:12.08; 9, Brent Lagina, Norway, 21:18.21; 10, Jacob Ross, Stephenson, 21:41.02.

Girls

Superior Central 36, Stephenson 78. Mid Peninsula, Rapid River, Holy Name, North Central and Norway NTS.