Following a weekend with multiple statewide invitationals, the Globe’s Top 20 boys’ cross-country poll underwent a big shakeup for the first time this season.
Brookline moved up two spots to No. 2 following a victory (51 points) in the Bay State Invitational’s ‘Varsity A’ race, surpassing No. 3 Concord-Carlisle (92 point), the runner-up. No. 10 Lincoln-Sudbury (100 points) and No. 14 Newton South (110) placed third and fourth, respectively, and both enter the rankings for the first time.
Concord-Carlisle was dealt its first Dual County loss Wednesday, falling to top-ranked Cambridge, 16-41, though the Patriots rested a few key runners.
The Bay State Invitational’s ‘Varsity B’ race was highlighted by a victory from North Andover (71 points), which moved up four spots to No. 8. The Scarlet Knights also painted their undefeated record with a victory, 25-34, over No. 18 Lowell in Merrimack Valley competition Wednesday.
Records based on scores reported to the Globe.
The Globe’s Top 20 boys’ cross-country poll
The Globe poll as of Oct. 10, 2026. Teams were selected by the Globe sports staff.
The Globe’s Top 20 girls’ cross-country poll
The Globe’s Top 20 girls’ cross-country poll remains steady again this week, as the state’s top teams continue to hold their own.
The most dominant performance came from No. 2 Billerica, which won the Bay State Invitational’s ‘Varsity A’ race Saturday with a dominant 29-point team total and showcased its remarkable depth by placing eight finishers in the race’s top 21.
No. 4 Newton North and No. 5 Needham have separated as the Bay State Conference’s two best, and the sides squared off Wednesday as part of a tri-meet with Framingham. Needham squeaked out a 27-28 triumph, fueled by its depth, and moved up two spots.
No. 9 Greater Lowell also cemented its top-10 status Saturday at the Battle of the Border in Hudson, N.H., where it placed second out of 13 teams. No. 13 North Andover is the lone new entrant, as the Scarlet Knights have maintained an unbeaten record in Merrimack Valley competition and placed fourth in the Bay State Invitational’s ‘Varsity B’ race Saturday.
Records based on scores reported to the Globe.
The Globe poll as of Oct. 10, 2026. Teams were selected by the Globe sports staff.
Matty Wasserman can be reached at matty.wasserman@globe.com. Follow him @Matty_Wasserman.