[2/15/04]Warren Central had its best powerlifting performance in school history Saturday, capturing second in the Region 3-5A meet and sending nine lifters to the South State meet on March 6 on the Gulf Coast.

“I couldn’t be happier,” WC coach Chad McMullin said. “This is the most lifters we’ve ever had move on. I’m ecstatic.”

The Vikings finished second to Natchez, which totaled 52 points. WC scored 49 points and defending Class 5A champion Vicksburg took third with 42 points.

Warren Central had four first-place finishers led by 220-pounder Jesse Pedyfoot, who lifted a combined 1,160 pounds in his first meet.

Other first-place finishers were James Armstrong (123 pounds), Brian Sessums (132 pounds), and John Stauts (308 pounds).

Marcus Stokes took first place in the 198-pound class and Casey Younger took first in the 242-pound class for Vicksburg High.

Daniel Cook took second in the 242-pound class and Jonathan Nash was second in the 198-pound class. Matt Barnes captured third in the 165-pound class, James Kinnard took third in the 181-pound class and Matt Prince took third in the 220-pound class.

Other Vicksburg Gators that will be moving on to South State are: Quinnard Wilson (132 pounds), Cordarryl Gleese (148), Dietric Johnson (308), Lorenzo Williams (123), Anthony Cleveland (132), Roderick Erves (308), Dennis Johnson (181) and Keithon Burnett (275).

The top four finishers in each class advance to the South State meet at St. Martin High School.