LeAndrew Drake and Karter Thomas won North State powerlifting championships; VHS finished sixth

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — LeAndrew Drake and Karter Thomas claimed individual championships to lead Vicksburg High School to a sixth-place finish at the 2-5A North State powerlifting meet.

The Gators, led by Head Coach DeCorey Knight Sr., finished sixth out of 10 teams.

Drake won the 181-pound weight class title and set a 2-5A North State record in the 181 class in the deadlift. He posted a 515-pound squat, a 315-pound bench press and a 595-pound deadlift to secure the championship.

Thomas captured the 308-plus weight class title with a 585-pound squat, a 315-pound bench press and a 575-pound deadlift.

Both Drake and Thomas advanced to the State Championship, which will be held March 28 at the Mississippi Coliseum.

Several other Gators earned top-five finishes at North State:

Corey Wilkerson placed fifth in the 308-plus class with a 405-pound squat, a 290-pound bench press and a 405-pound deadlift.

Derrick Davis finished fifth in the 148-pound class with a 265-pound squat, a 175-pound bench press and a 335-pound deadlift.

TeJay McKinney placed fifth in the 181-pound class with a 265-pound bench press and a 350-pound deadlift.

Ja’varius Bridges finished fourth in the 275-pound class with a 430-pound squat, a 270-pound bench press and a 470-pound deadlift.