PREP GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Atkins beats Brandt in a battle Posted: 10/22/2009 12:20:57 AM PDT Chico 19, Oroville 41 In a close duel between two of the Northern Section's top girls cross country runners, Chico High's Kody Atkins topped Oroville's Sarah Brandt by one second during the Eastern Athletic League meet between the Panthers and Tigers. Chico was a 19-41 winner with four members among the top five finishers. Leading the way was Atkins, the sophomore standout who used a strong burst in the final 20 meters to finally move ahead of Brandt to decide the even race. Atkins' winning time on the 3.1-mile course at Thermalito Forebay was 19 minutes, 21 seconds. Rounding out the top five were Azure Grant in third place, Analy Nava in fourth and Heather Waldorf in fifth. PREP BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Chico 20, Oroville 39 Dan Parker propelled the Panthers' victory with a first-place performance on the 3.1-mile course at Thermalito Forebay. He beat the field with a time of 16 minutes, 57 seconds, edging out teammate Chas Burton by a second for the victory. Chico completed a top three sweep with Patrick Franco's third-place finish. Russell Brandt took fourth and Jose Zavala was fifth for Oroville. Tom Dowdin, Amanda Costa held out of competition, probably due to illness