FRANKLIN — The Long County Blue Tide athletics program had a great performance at the GACA State Weightlifting Championships. The weightlifting team, made up of mostly football players on the boys’ side and several other athletes on the girls’, had several place in the top five of their weight class and six win state championships.

The boys team also finished just one point behind Bremen High School for the state championship as they brought home the runner-up trophy.

On the girls’ side, Janiya Williams placed first in the 130-pound weight class to win the state championship. Four other girls placed in the top five in their weight class.

Kelly Stokes placed third in 135, Maliah Canete fifth in 145, Trinity Mook second in 185, and Emma Pfiester fourth in heavyweight. All five athletes are underclassmen and will return next year to improve on their finishes.

On the boys’ side, a total of 13 athletes placed in the top five of their weight classes with five placing first and winning state championships.

Devon Williams (150), Jaeson Carryl (170), Ahmari Douglas (190), Jacob Hewitt (225), and Jordan Williams (heavyweight) all placed first. Douglas and Hewitt both repeated as state champions in their weight class.

Andre Mills and Tjayden Vaughn placed third and fifth in the 140 pound weight class, Maverick Stayskal second in 150, Alex Cason third in 180, Cortney Charles second in 190, Chris Hatfield fifth in 205, Jeremiah Letman third in 225, and Wyatt Walters third in 245.

Several of the placers for the Blue Tide will return next year with several representing the football and wrestling teams.