Wilkinson County High School’s powerlifting team proved why it is one of the best in the state with a convincing win in the 2001 Powerade Powerlifting Invitational Monday at the Cathedral High School Gym.

Wilkinson County, the defending Class 3A South State champion, finished with 56 points, including first-place finishes by senior Gerald Anthony, juniors Termaine Johnson and Delvin Hunter and sophomores Mikie Brown and Britton Turner to account for 35 of the team’s points.

&uot;We’ve only been defeated once in our program, and that was in finals at State to Ponotoc last year,&uot; said Wilkinson County powerlifting coach Robert Webb. &uot;Our kids work hard. Our theory is outworking the next guy.&uot;

Seven points were given for first place, five for second, three for third, two for fourth and one for fifth.

Wilkinson County had three seconds and two thirds.

Franklin County High School finished a distant second place with 43 points, which included first-place finishes by Chase Evans, Justin Shorts and Brandon Halford.

Natchez High School finished in third place with 35 points, including a first-place finish by Alonzo Green.

Bogue Chitto High School finished fourth with 29 points with no first-place finishers.

Cathedral High School, the host team for the meet, finished in fifth place with 18 points, including a first-place finish by Patrick Biglane.