Albemarle’s boys cross country team saved the best for last.

The Patriots made the most of the home field advantage as both teams finishing second and qualified for the VHSL state championship.

The Albemarle boys and girls cross country teams managed to battle through injury and illness in the Commonwealth District championship on Thursday afternoon to prolong their seasons.

This weekend, Male and Weisend took those who worked out in the summer to the Outer Banks Invitational. Both teams rewarded their coaches with first-place finishes, breaking a couple of records in the process.