C.V.'s Torres engages in outstanding battle with Schwartz, Sanchez

Three of the state's top runners engaged in a thrilling battle that went down to the wire in the boys' sweepstakes race Saturday at the 30th annual Clovis Invitational at Woodward Park in Fresno, with Foothill of Bakersfield's Chris Schwartz prevailing by the narrowest of margins over Crescenta Valley of La Crescenta's Zack Torres and Buchanan of Clovis' Jonathan Sanchez on the 5-kilometer layout.

Schwartz, the top-ranked runner in Div. III, outkicked his two competitors in the final 100 meters to win in 15 minutes, 9 seconds. Torres, the No. 1 runner in Div. I, delivered a head-first lean that would've made his father Phil -- C.V.'s baseball coach -- proud to get the nod for second in 15:10.

Sanchez, Buchanan's top runner making his seasonal debut after being sidelined with injuries the first month, also clocked 15:10. His effort helped Buchanan win the race with 85 points, ahead of Thousand Oaks (147).

Buchanan, competing with its full roster for the first time this season, recorded a team time of 78:10, with Thousand Oaks clocking 79:11.

Palma of Salinas' Tyre Johnson, the top-ranked runner in the state in Div. IV, placed fifth (15:15).

Sean Gildea was the top runner for the Lancers, finishing 10th in 15:19. Kevin Joerger was 19th in 15:41 and Asher Lober clocked 15:46 to place 26th.

Lancaster's Pedro Zaragoza took 12th (15:24).