Norwich — Norwich Free Academy put forth a predictable performance on Thursday.

That's just fine with coach Chad Johnson, who often preaches to his Wildcats about sticking to the game plan.

A dominant NFA boys' cross country team placed five runners in the top 10 to roll to the team title on Thursday in the Eastern Connecticut Conference Championship. The Wildcats scored 23 points, easily beating Ledyard (67), East Lyme (133) and the rest of the field.

"I'm very, very happy," Johnson said. "It's the third (straight) undefeated season for us. Finally, we went out there and ran like veterans. We executed a plan and had confidence in the plan... and had confidence in each other.

"And then watching it all unfold the way that we all talked about it unfolding makes it that much more special."

Senior Connor Gralton rode a strong finishing kick to the individual title. He crossed the Norwich Golf Course finish line in 16 minutes, 52 seconds.

It was his second ECC Championship victory, also winning it his sophomore year.

Barring an injury or mishap, a confident Gralton said he expected to win the race. He was disappointed in his third-place finish last year.

"That really got to me," Gralton said. "I wouldn't call this redemption. My redemption is when I started believing in myself again."

Gralton outdueled East Lyme senior Vann Moffett, who placed second in 17:01.

Moffett pushed Gralton and his NFA teammates the entire race until the final stretch.

"We were neck and neck up the last hill and then he started to break away," Moffett said. "I hung with him the best I could, but he's got a lot more experience and he just pulled away in the end.

"... I can't be upset with second."

Several times, Gralton was tempted to attack earlier in the 5k race but smartly waited until inside the final mile to kick into warp speed.

"I visualized this course over and over again, exactly what I'm going to do," Gralton said. "When I was running the course, there were so many times that you just naturally want to break away from the crowd.

"... I had to make a conscious effort, 'no, Connor, not right now.' ... I got to that point where I knew, 'Connor, now, go.'"

NFA's superior depth overwhelmed the competition.

Senior Tyler Sholes ran a terrific race, taking third in 17:15. Junior Brandon Mehlinger was right behind his teammate in fourth in 17:20. Junior Lucas Shea was sixth (17:33) and sophomore Brenden Sholes ninth (17:41).

Johnson is pleased with his team's mindset and approach.

"We're making a lot fewer mistakes because we're running with confidence," Johnson said.

NFA has lofty goals for the remainder of the season. The Wildcats are shooting to qualify for the New England Championship. First, they need a strong finish in the Class LL meet on Oct. 31 and then the State Open, both at Wickham Park in Manchester.

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe