History was made when the Pickens High School Competition Cheer team took the floor at West Laurens High School for the sectional competition. A total of 28 teams from Class AAA competed for 16 coveted spots in the annual state competition in Macon. Region titles were also up for grabs, with Pickens’ longtime rival Dawson County aiming for its seventh straight region title and 21st overall in competition cheer. However, they were denied this streak as the PHS squad delivered a standout performance, earning their highest score in program history with a 96. Dawson finished second in Region 6-AAA with a 92.5.
The score of 96 secured Pickens’ first-ever region championship in competition cheer, along with their fourth consecutive berth in the state competition this Saturday. This achievement is especially impressive given that the PHS team has battled injuries throughout the season. Nevertheless, they pulled together when it mattered most and “hit” their routine flawlessly—a term used in the cheer world when everything goes according to plan.
The PHS competition cheer team will travel to Macon on Friday to enjoy the excitement of making it to state. They are scheduled to compete in the morning session at the Macon Centreplex, with hopes of placing in the top six. At the state competition, the top six scoring teams are “called to the mat.” These six teams then wait for the announcement of the top four placements, with one crowned as the state champion. Last year, the PHS team was called to the mat and secured 5th place overall. In the past three consecutive years, PHS has finished in the top 10 at state, and they aim to continue that streak in 2024.
At sectionals, the team placed 9th overall, so a strong performance at state could once again land them in the top 10. Head Coach Elizabeth Prather expressed her pride in the team, saying, “I am so proud of this team and how they have persevered through this season. It’s a blessing to coach a team that feels like a family.”
