Moments after the Southern Regional boys cross-country team captured the Ocean County championship for a second straight season, Santino D’Amelio talked with excitement about what was still ahead for the Rams. Specifically, he liked the squad’s chances at the Shore Conference Championships.

“We know CBA is going to be up there,” he said, referring to Christian Brothers Academy, typically the conference’s best cross-country crew, winners of the previous 14 conference meets heading into Oct. 20.