High School Sports
Cheerleaders overcome adversity in debut.
By Dave Whitaker
Sep 16, 2018, 04:24

Expectations were high for BCHS going into the start of this year’s competition cheerleading season following last year’s sixth place finish at state. The squad returned 10 members from last year’s squad, and also added more freshmen as well as others who returned from injury or other situations.



But injuries had affected the Royals going into Saturday’s debut at the Middle Georgia Cheer Classic. Already dealing with a loss due to injury, another injury this week forced the addition of a new member who only ran the routine full on Thursday. It also resulted in one dealing with an elbow injury (facing potential Tommy John Surgery) back into the lineup. Plus, another was sick with a stomach virus last night.



Still, a large crowd of family and friends made the short trip to Warner Robins in support. What they saw was a squad who did well despite the adverse circumstances. Partner stunts stayed up. Though one stunt group came down a few seconds early, flyers were able to do all their stunts. The squad had high energy. Thanks in part to new additions, this year’s squad has the most tumbling for BCHS seen in years.



Only the pyramid struggled to come together and stay up. For a first performance, as well as being the first in AA to compete, the Royals did well. In the post-competition lib-off, a group featuring Emileigh Darden, Amaya Smith, Amiyah Thigpen, Alexis Johnson, and Abby McClure.



The largest cheer came when results were announced. Second place, Screven County. First place, Bleckley County. Cheers erupted from the squad and the large purple and gold contingent sitting in the bleachers. Head coach Heather Davis said she was proud of how the squad performed given the difficult circumstances of this week.

The squad with coaches Heather Davis and Kayla Warren.