LeAndrew Drake and Karter Thomas win state powerlifting titles

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — LeAndrew Drake and Karter Thomas are now state champion powerlifters. The two Vicksburg High School athletes competed at the state meet on Saturday, where they each finished in first place.

Drake, competing in the 181-pound weight class, fulfilled a promise he made after finishing second last year. He captured the state title with a total lift of 1,440 pounds, including a 585-pound deadlift, a 325-pound bench press and a 530-pound squat.

Last month, Drake set a 2-5A North State record in the 181 class with a 595-pound deadlift.

Thomas also claimed a state championship in the 308-plus weight class. He recorded a total of 1,515 pounds, with a 610-pound squat, a 335-pound bench press and a 570-pound deadlift.

In February, Thomas won a North State title and improved his total by 40 pounds at the state meet.

Thomas is coming off a standout varsity football season in which he was named the district’s top offensive lineman. He has since signed a collegiate football scholarship with Mississippi Delta Community College.

Both Drake and Thomas are coached by DeCorey Knight Sr.