Will Johnson has been the driving force behind the Bulloch Academy cross country team this season and has the Gators headed towards the region meets — and possibly state.
    Saturday, Johnson turned in a blazing time of 18:41 to take first place at the Augusta Prep Invitational.
    Johnson also took first place in the Gators’ first event of the season when he bested all other runners in the 15-19 male grouping at the Peanut Run.
     Overall, Johnson has had top-10 finishes in all seven of his events this season and has placed in the top-5 in all but one race.
    “I started out with a good time in the Peanut Run,” said Johnson. “From there, I’ve just been training hard at practice and trying to do a little better in each race.”
    It is a bit more difficult to judge in cross country with its vastly different tracks, but Johnson has consistently turned in times in the low 19’s or better and is ready for the challenge of the postseason.
    “I’m really looking forward to region,” said Johnson. “There are a lot of good runners out there, but I think I have a chance to win. State would be even tougher, but I would really like to get a top-5.”