From BleckleyProgress.com

Community Sports
A day worth cheering about at West Laurens.
By Dave Whitaker
Sep 28, 2024, 20:46



The 16th annual West Laurens Raider Rumble was set to have four sessions. However, the devastation of Hurricane Helene forced several squads including those in Vidalia, to pull out.



So the sessions were reduced to two, meaning BCMS and BCHS competed basically back to back. The BCMS cheerleaders went on second in their morning session. A large contingent of purple and gold parents and supporters were on hand to support them.



The Barons had a good showing. High energy, good jumps, good tumbling. The only possible issue was a bobble on one of the stunt groups. Otherwise, they were solid.



They applauded and fans cheered when they were announced as second place. Head coach Becky Wilson said their performance was better than last week’s debut in Madison..

The Barons with coaches Becky Wilson and Elizabeth Brown.


In the second session, BC was on Side B and the last on that side to perform. Another large group of supporters were on hand including a few middle schoolers who stayed to cheer on the high school. The familiar chant of “Bleckley County” could be heard as the squad prepared to enter.\



As Lorde’s “Royal” played, the Royals came to the mat with a loud ovation. Their second performance had some things improve from the first. The single-base stunts stayed up. Part of the pyramid didn’t go up. Still, BC got another good hand at the end.



Since everyone knew the squad did several things right, there was some anticipation as they awaited the results. Third place, Dodge County High School. Second place, Savannah Christian High School. First place, Bleckley County High School!.



The news was met with loud cheers. While none of the six squads in Class A, Division 1, were perfect, BC did enough to secure first place. A nice jolt of confidence for a young squad.

BCHS with coaches Heather Davis and Anna Brown.


The Royals travel to Alma for the Blueberry Cheer Classic hosted by Bacon County High School next Saturday. BCMS returns to action October 19 in Statesboro.


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