The Bogue Chitto Bobcats claimed their fifth straight Class 1A South State Powerlifting Championship crown. The Bobcats edged Ethel in total team points, 52-47 Monday at Ridgeland.

The Bobcats, defending state champions, recognized four individual with first place finishes, led by Devin McEwen in the 181-body weight class, Damien Terrell in the 198-pound class, Jermaine Blackwell in the 242-pound class and Jeremy Blackwell is the 308-pound class.

“I am proud of the effort that the guys put forth,” said Bogue Chitto strength coach Chad Norton. “I was worried about our kids getting sick with the stomach bug that was going around, but they were not affected by it.”

Norton said his team has a month to prepare for the State Championship meet in Jackson, April 5. “I believe after losing in the state championship last year by a tiebreaker should be all the motivation we need to prepare for it.”

Jeremy Blackwell, a senior, achieved South State records of 555 in the squat and the weight of 600 in the deadlift, giving him a record total of 1410. He also received the most outstanding heavy lifter award.

Jermaine Blackwell, a senior, set a record in deadlift in his weight class with 535.

Damien Terrell, a senior, also set a record in his weight class for deadlift of 535.

All lifters were judged on the squat, bench press and deadlift. The Bobcats got second place finishes from Josh Richardson, Dakota McGary and Kobe Roberts. McGary chalked up a South record of 335 in the deadlift.

Third place went to Mike Parker and Davaris Bullock. Parker set a South record of 435 in the deadlift.

Fourth place went to Austin Buffington and Justin Click. Seth Hodges finished fifth.

Team Totals: 

Bogue Chitto 52, Ethel 47, Coffeeville 30, McAdams 29, Durant 19, Stringer 19, Sacred Heart 12, St. Aloysius 3