NATCHEZ — Even with several new faces on the team, Natchez High’s powerlifting squad started its season by finishing in first place overall at the Natchez High Invitational Saturday afternoon at the Steckler Multipurpose Center.

Natchez High had four first-place finishes and finished with a total of 54 points. Warren Central finished second with 38 points, and Vicksburg was right behind in third place with 37 points. Wilkinson County finished fourth with 34 points while Brookhaven came in fifth with 31 points.

The first-place finish was a surprise to Natchez High coach Joe Johnson, who didn’t think his team would fare this well in its first meet of the season.

“Being the first meet of the season, they did really well. It’s always good to surpass your expectations,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of newcomers.”

Two veterans and two newcomers had individual first-place finishes. Keith Dee had a total of 1,450 pounds to win the 275-pound class, and Willie Newman was first in the 148-pound class. Jalen Anderson and Conelioes Redding, who are in the first year of lifting, finished first in the 123-pound class and the 198-pound class, respectively.

“A couple of others who placed were Justin Hamilton, who placed third in the super heavyweight, and Raymond Williams, who placed second in the 220-pound class. Another one who is coming on strong is Kevin Bailey, who placed second in the 165-pound class,” Johnson said.

Natchez High will travel to Vicksburg Saturday to compete in the Vicksburg-Warren Central Invitational.