Brookhaven High senior Rameriaze Edwards is once again a state champion, after finishing first over the weekend in the 148-pound class at the MHSAA 5A Powerlifting State Championship Meet.

BHS powerlifting coach Russ Britt saw his team finish second overall behind Corinth High. The Panthers got podium finishes from seventh grader Dae Walton (third in 114-class) and senior Gavin Bridgeman (second in 198-pound class). Senior Jamaal Brown, senior Christian Jones, junior Fabian Washington II, and sophomore Corderro McDaniel all were state qualifying lifters for the Panthers.

Edwards was less than 100 percent as he won his third state title by squatting 450 pounds, benching 185 pounds, and deadlifting 550 pounds. The squad and deadlift were both personal bests and his combined weight total of 1,185 pounds was also a career best for Edwards, who was also an important part of the BHS football program as a defensive back.

Edwards won his first state title in the 114-pound class in 2022, before taking the 148-pound class for the first time.

“Rameriaze is the only guy I have had to lift all six years he could and he ends up being a three-time state champion,” said Britt. “What’s even more impressive is that he’s been basically lifting on one good leg, as he got one of his knees scoped two weeks before our region meet. He is going to be missed and hard to replace. I think it speaks to his success in that he was told goodbye and great career by many of the other 5A coaches on Saturday.”

With eight of the 12 lifters returning on the team, Britt hopes to get back on the podium again in 2026.

“It felt good to end up on the podium as a team on Saturday,” said Britt. “We’ve had some tough luck over the last four years trying to get there, but we met all of our goals as a collective group this year. The hope is to keep pushing and seal the deal next year with a first-place finish.”