Even on an 8-kilometer course, the margins can be razor-thin.

Franklin men's cross country fell just one point short of another top-three finish at the HCAC Championships, finishing the afternoon just one point back of rival Hanover to land in fourth.

The Grizzlies did get a top-three individual finish from William Hirsch, who ran the course in 25:40.30 to take third overall and secure All-HCAC honors. His time was good enough to move him up to ninth on the school's all-time 8K list, and Hirsch is the Grizzlies' highest finishing individual since Kris Sandlin won the conference title in 2012.

Zachary Schroeder was the next Franklin runner across the line, finishing 22nd in 26:42.80. The junior moved up from 37th a year ago with his time — a personal best by 40 seconds — and just missed honorable mention all-conference honors. 

Also scoring for the Griz were Nathan Furnish (36th in 27:19.40), Austin Menefee (48th in 27:52.70) and Finn Adams (57th in 28:25.10).

Espoir Emmanuel was 67th and Marcos Garcia 77th for Franklin.