They are willing to work hard and get stronger. Brookhaven sendssix lifters to Saturday’s MHSAA Powerlifting State Meet inJackson’s Mississippi Coliseum.

The Ole Brook sextet includes Shelby Hodges, Jeff Newton, IsaiahWilliams, Austin Barnett, Jawaun Merchant and James Michael Patti.They helped the Panthers finish runners-up in the South State 5Ameet at Biloxi.

Powerlifters are placed in their respective weight categories andjudged on total poundage in three lifts: squaT, bench press anddead lift. Hodges, 114-pound class; Newton, 193; and Merchant, 308;won their respective weight divisions. Placing second was Barnett,181. Third place went to Williams in 148 and Patti in 220.

Jaymie Palmer coaches the BHS squad.

Barnett, a senior linebacker, said powerlifting made him a strongerfootball player. His strongest lift is the bench press.

“I like competing to see who is the strongest,” said Barnett. “Itgives me a goal to work toward.”

His lifts at South State included a 395 squat, a 270 bench pressand a 455 dead lift.

Scheduled to graduate next month, Barnett said he plans to major inbiology at college. He wants to become a radiologist.

Merchant, an All-Region defensive lineman in football, benched 305,squatted 500 and dead lifted 535 at South State. He is counted onto anchor the defensive line next fall.

“I like the dead lift best,” said Merchant. “It shows how strongyou really are.”

Asked about the powerlifting benefits, Merchant agreed withBarnett. “It helps make me a better football player. It looks goodon my college application, too.”

Bobcats In Class 1A Test

The Bogue Chitto Bobcats, coached by Chad Norton, expect to make astrong showing tomorrow in Class 1A. They are fresh from winningthe South State championship.

Winning first place at South State for the Bobcats were KeithWells, 123; Tyler Saucier, 148; Byron Kersee, 181; and Shane Lewis,308. Kersee set a South State record with a total lift of 1,075pounds.

Placing second for BC were Reid Bales, 132; Colton McClendon, 165;Keith Arnold, 275; and Cory Wells, super heavyweight. McClendon’stotal of 1,050 was a South record.

Taking third place for the Bobcats were Robert Bonds, 165; andTevin Tobias, 242. Shiloh Martin placed fourth in the 132-poundclass.