NATCHEZ — Three Natchez High School powerlifters will be competing in the MHSAA Class 6A South State tournament today in Hattiesburg.

Sophomore Avery Jones will compete in the 181 class, and seniors Kaldrick Tenner and Lavarious Dorsey will compete in the 275 and 308 classes, respectively.

NHS powerlifting coach Joseph Johnson said he’s been impressed with Jones’ season, since he’s essentially a rookie when it comes to powerlifting.

“He comes with a sound base from seventh-period football (workouts),” Johnson said. “He’s new to the sport, but he’s been working hard in football to the point where Kaldrick and Lavarious invited him to try out for powerlifting, which I’m glad they did.”

Since Johnson took over the program at NHS in 2000, he said Jones is only the third rookie to be invited to South State.

“Usually in their first years, we try to get them ready so they can be productive in their second year,” Johnson said. “When you’re automatically inserted into the lineup in just your first year, that’s special.”

Tenner is in his third year in the program, and Johnson said Tenner has come extremely far in those three years.

“One of the comments I made to him before the regional tournament (Feb. 4) was that he’s come into his own this past year,” Johnson said.

“He and Dorsey are the only two veterans I have, and not only have they performed well as individuals, but they’ve really taken on leadership roles.”

With Dorsey being in the 308 class, Johnson said Dorsey is a rare caliber of lifter for someone in that high a class.

“He works hard, and he’s gotten to the point where if he believes it, he can achieve it,” Johnson said.

“He squatted 540 pounds at (the regional tournament), and last year his max was 500. He’s grown to the point where he wants to lead, he wants to be competitive and most of all, he wants to win.”

NHS will face 13 teams in South State, including the defending state champions Gulfport High School.

“The more levels you go up, the competition is more fierce, but I feel like all three will do well in their weight class,” Johnson said.