When it comes to motivation, John Lawler has it figured out. The Weedsport boys cross country coach gives a simple little phrase to his team before races: When you put your foot on the line, it's race time.

At Saturday's McQuaid Invitational - the second-largest race in the state - Lawler thought he'd add an extra sentence.

“If it matters to you, there are a couple teams ranked ahead of you, and if you beat them you'll probably move ahead of them.”

It mattered.

The then-fifth-ranked Warriors went out blazing and captured seventh place - five spots ahead of Oakfield-Alabama, which was ranked ahead of Weedsport prior to the race.

“They were so gung-ho,” Lawler said of his team as the race got under way. “It just shows what they can do collectively when they put the effort in together.”

Group effort is nothing new to the Warriors, though. They have been working diligently all season - and working together.

That means extra training on the course, and team outings off it. Whether it's dinners, movies or painting their stomachs for the homecoming football game, the Warriors do everything as a unit.

They win as a unit, too.

There's no doubt Weedsport has a clear-cut top-five when it comes to scoring. Mike Greer - ranked third in Section III, Class D - leads the way, followed by Jim Bos, Jordan Petrocci, John Bos and Zack Field.

“Our top five do stand out from the other kids, as far as their times and the success they've had,” Lawler said. “But the one thing I have to emphasize is even though it's the first five really making a difference in the score, every one of the kids on the team is working his tail off. The success of the team is because of the whole team atmosphere.”

The Warriors' attitude - as well as their health - is going to be a major factor in determining just how far they'll go.

The two-time defending league champions have their sights set on a third, but they also have taken aim at Beaver River, the state's top-ranked team.

The two squads haven't squared off, and won't meet until the Section III championships.

But on paper, Lawler is hunting down the Beavers. Both teams were at a meet in Chittenango but competed in separate races.

In comparing the times, Beaver River certainly had the edge that day, but Lawler said that in the last two weeks, that gap is closing.

Lawler points to the Auburn Invitational, which was held Sept. 22, as a turning point for the team. The McQuaid Invitational was just some fuel for the fire.

“It was the first time all season and even part of last season that every kid ran well,” Lawler said of the meet at Auburn. “From here on out the kids have gotten a little confidence and been able to race well and continue to improve.”

If things go according to plan, the Warriors will be peaking at the right time - the postseason.

But with their minds on the sectional meet, the Warriors haven't overlooked the task that lies ahead of them.

Weedsport travels to race Pulaski - a league opponent - today, and heads to New York City to compete after that.

Then it's the Weedsport Invitational followed by the league and section meets.

“I just want them to practice and run with confidence so when it does come to the end they're going to be able to perform. That's the key right there.”