Safford's Angel Sanchez took first place at the Safford Cross Country Invitational at the fairgrounds on Wednes-day. The Bulldogs' girls also came in first place in the team competition.

Sanchez's win in Safford was his third title this year. The Safford junior also won the San Manuel and Globe invitationals.

He said the key to his success is getting out quickly and finishing fast. "It seems like I'm doing better this year," Sanchez said. "I have won races. I've placed better than last year."

He said the success has motivated him for the regional.

Safford head coach Herman Andrews said Sanchez set the pace, and the 17:18 exceeded his estimated time, which was expected to be in the low 18s.

Donika Williams of Safford placed second at Rio Rico on Sept. 29, and she equaled that at the Safford Invitational.

She said her legs hurt a little following the race, but the 21:50 was her best time of the year.

"She was leading most of the race," Andrews said, "and the girl who won it was an All-Arizona cross country (runner) last year."

Angel Nosie, who transferred from Globe to San Carlos, also won the Safford Invitational in 2003.

Nosie said Williams led for the first two miles of the three-mile race.

"She did great for a freshman," Nosie said. "She will be taking first when she gets bigger and stronger."

Andrews said Williams ran a good race but did not push at the end.

Williams said she expected to do well her freshman year because "she trained all summer."

Claire Smith of Safford placed fifth in her first race of the year. Thatcher head coach Kenny Smith and Andrews said that was an impressive performance considering it was her first try of the year.

Smith said despite Safford's lack of depth, the Bulldogs have quality, not quantity.

Katy Marble of Thatcher led the Eagles girls into second place by finishing seventh. The junior credited the Thatcher coaching staff for her improved time.

Smith said the Eagles' second-place finish was their best in two years.

"I'm really proud of them," he said.

Marble, who finished 24th at Willcox on Oct. 6, said Smith and co-coach Brete Carlsen had the Eagle runners do new drills, which helped boost the runners' times.

Smith said Marble "was lying. Coach Carlsen is the brains, and I'm the guy who just says, 'Go!'"

Melissa Reynolds and Alissa Tyler ran their best races this year, Smith said. Reynolds recorded a 24:19 for ninth place, and Tyler's 24:16 was good enough for 10th.

Jarret Johns, who placed 10th for Thatcher, headed the pack of Eagles' boys.