Vicksburg High and Warren Central began their powerlifting seasons this week, with little room for error.

VHS captured the team championship at Wilkinson County on Wednesday and WC going to the Louisiana Tech Invitational on Saturday. Between the two schools, they will compete in a total of three meets before the district meet at Warren Central on Feb. 11.

&#8220You get spoiled with other sports, where you have more time,” Vicksburg coach David Tadlock said. &#8220You have to go and get in with people that are extremely competitive. You don’t do anything but help your kids.”

At the Wilkinson County meet, the Gators finished first in a field that included the 2005 Class 5A South State champion, Natchez, and Class 3A powerhouse Port Gibson. Vicksburg had six first place finishers, four seconds and two thirds. Chad Cooper (114 pounds), Hugh Norfort (123), Jeremy Hamlin (148), Jerrick Neal (220), David Williams (308) and Mark Cabatay (super heavyweight) all finished first in their respective weight classes.

Warren Central will also see its share of competition at Saturday’s Louisiana Tech meet. The Vikings will go against nearly 30 teams from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. It’s WC’s only meet before the district meet. WC coach Chad McMullin said it was an effort to not just compete, but go for the gusto in the team standings.

&#8220Usually, I split the team into two and have two practice meets. But this time I wanted to keep the team together and try and win one,” McMullin said. &#8220We just want to get a good lift, work on technique and everything like that. We still have three weeks of training after this meet.”

McMullin is hoping Saturday’s competition is the first step toward a state championship for several of his lifters.

Larry Walker is the defending state champion in the 275-pound weight class, and should be in the running for a repeat this year. Joseph Glapion was fourth in the 148-pound class in 2005, but dropped down to 132 pounds this year to make a run at a title.

Shane Redditt (220 pounds), Robert Sessums and John Stauts (308 pounds) are also expected to contribute for the Vikings.