The Bogue Chitto Bobcats claimed a fourth straight Class 1A South State Powerlifting Championship. The Bobcats edged Pelahatchie in total team points, 46-44.

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

“I am proud of our guys’ efforts,” said Bogue Chitto strength coach Chad Norton. “After replacing five members off last year’s team, I knew it was going to be a challenge to defend our titles.

“Damien’s last deadlift clinched his victory and our team’s overall championship after he totaled more than the kid from Pelahatchie.”

Norton said his team has a month to prepare for the State Championship meet in Jackson, April 13. “It’s going to be a tight race between five schools: Pelahatchie, Ethel, Smithville, Faulkner and us.”

Blackwell, a junior, achieved South State records of 550 in the squat and similar weight of 550 in the deadlift, giving him a record total of 1350.

Lifters were judged on the squat, bench press and deadlift. The Bobcats got second place finishes from Kobe Roberts, Robert Bonds and Jermaine Blackwell. Bonds chalked up a South record of 470 in the deadlift.

Third place went to Mike Parker and Davaris Bullock. Parker set a South record of 370 in the deadlift.

Fourth place went to Austin Buffington and Deion Williams. Hayden Burton finished sixth.

West Lincoln got a third place finish from Nathan Fauver in the 275-pound weight class. Teammate Tyler Moak was fourth. Brennan Cagle and Luke Barrilleaux finished fifth.