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Bicksler, Knights surge to 2nd in MVC

CHELMSFORD — North Andover sophomore Jack Bicksler employed a new strategy Saturday at the Merrimack Valley Conference meet and it worked wonders for both him and the Knights.

Bicksler pulled away from a pack at the 2-mile mark and finished second overall in 16:38 on Chelmsford's 5K course to pace the Knights to second overall behind powerhouse Lowell and one spot in front of Central Catholic.

The second-place MVC finish was the highest for both North Andover and one of its individuals since the the Knights joined the MVC.

"He (Bicksler) had been outkicked a little bit and we wanted him to burn the kick out of the guys around him," said North Andover coach Rick DelleChiaie. "We wanted him to surge at some point and he did a nice job of it just after two miles."

Kevin Wong finished 13th for North Andover, two places ahead of teammate Brian Voke and Jeff Stad came in 17th.

"They all had solid races," said DelleChiaie. "We've had a hard time getting all our guys together, because of injuries and sickness, but they're coming together now."

Central Catholic was paced by James Burger in fifth (16:43) with Matt Giannasca taking 14th while sixth-place Methuen was led by Xavier Metivier in ninth with Freddy Coleman taking 18th as the fastest freshman in the race.

Keith May ran a superb race for Haverhill to edge Burger for fourth while senior Andrew Harrison came in 21st. The Hillies finished seventh as a team.