The Natchez High powerlifting team earned a spot in the state finals with a win at South State in Hattiesburg Saturday.

“We’re very happy (with the win),” Bulldog coach Joseph Johnson said. “We went in with the intention of winning it and we did. We wanted to advance as many as we could to state.”

Ten Bulldog powerlifters advanced to state in every weight class but one, and they include:

4Jerald Woods, who placed first in the 114-pound weight class.

4Joseph Stevens, who placed third in the 123-pound weight class.

4Roderick Allen, the second-place finisher in the 132-pound class.

4Richard Henson and Willie Newman, who came in second and third in the 148-pound weight class.

4Callon Green, winner of the 181-pound weight class.

4Casey Barber, third place in the 198-pound class.

4Johnny Griffiin, first place in the 220-pound class.

4Danny Thompson, 275-pound weight class winner.

4Keith Dee, second place in the 308-pound weight class.

Jarrett Ealy placed fourth in the 165-pound weight class, but did not quality for the state finals at Madison Central, scheduled for March 31.

Team members Jeremy Hammond, Marvin Robb and Chaddrick Smith also failed to qualify for state, but Johnson wished to commend their efforts.

“A special recognition goes to (them) for their supporting role in the team winning the 5A South State Powerlifting Championship,” he said.

Johnson said he felt this team was a special one, and he was looking forward to the opportunity to bring home a state title.

“(We’re) very excited,” he said. “This team is different than all the other teams. They have more of a cohesiveness to them. I feel very confident that we will return with that state title.”