Darius Robinson, Mitchell County boys shine at sectionals

PEMBROKE — The road to a possible third straight state championship ran straight through Pembroke this week, and the Mitchell County Eagles looked every bit like a team determined to keep their dynasty alive.

Led by senior standout Darius Robinson, the two-time defending state champions delivered another dominant performance at the Class A Division II sectionals at Bryan County High School, piling up victories across the track and field events as they tuned up for the GHSA State Track and Field Championships scheduled for May 11 at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Robinson turned the sectional meet into his personal showcase.

Every time the Mitchell County senior stepped onto the track, the Eagles seemed to gain energy as Robinson captured first place in the 200-meter dash, the 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles against many of the top athletes in South Georgia.

If the Eagles are going to bring another championship trophy back to Camilla, Robinson appears ready to lead the charge.

But Mitchell County’s strength has never been about just one athlete.

The Eagles once again showed the kind of depth that has made them one of the premier track programs in Georgia, scoring points in distance races, hurdles, relays and field events throughout the long day in the South Georgia heat.

Distance runner Willie Davis delivered a huge performance by finishing second in the 1600-meter run and third in the 800-meter run, while Parnell Yates added a third-place finish in the long jump. Montorie Lee took sixth in the triple jump, and Marcus Vicks placed fourth in the 200-meter dash.

Mitchell County also dominated the hurdles beyond Robinson’s victories.

Jerran Grissom finished third and Jonathan Isom fourth in the 110-meter hurdles, while Isom took third and Grissom fourth in the 300-meter hurdles, giving the Eagles valuable depth in two of the meet’s most demanding events.

The Eagles were equally impressive in the relays, finishing third in the 4×100 relay, second in the 4×200 relay, sixth in the 4×400 relay and second in the 4×800 relay.

If the sectionals proved anything, it is that Mitchell County will arrive in Athens with scoring opportunities all across the track.

Several other Southwest Georgia athletes also turned in standout performances during the sectional meet.

Early County’s speed was on full display in the sprint events as Kayden Kendrix finished second in the 100-meter dash and teammate Andreveion Lee placed fourth. Terrell County’s Kaleb White added a seventh-place finish in the same race.

Early County’s Jammel Griffin was among the meet’s top overall performers, taking second place in both the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes, while Randolph-Clay’s Tyre Smith earned third in the 400.

Baconton Charter’s distance runners continued their impressive season as Anthony Escalante finished fourth in both the 800-meter and 1600-meter runs. Teammate Tyler Hayes took fifth in the 1600 and second in the 3200-meter run, while Blaith Tomlinson added a seventh-place finish in the 3200.

In the field events, Terrell County’s Kaleb White soared to a sectional championship in the long jump, while Mitchell County’s Yates placed third and Early County’s Keontrez Lindsey finished fifth.

Randolph-Clay’s Rae’Shawn Clyde earned second in the triple jump, Baconton Charter’s James Barrow tied for first in the pole vault, and Terrell County’s Karson Green placed sixth in the shot put.

Early County also captured the 4×100 relay title and finished fourth in the 4×400 relay, while Terrell County took third in the 4×200 relay. Baconton Charter finished fourth in the 4×800 relay with Early County close behind in fifth.

Now the attention turns to Athens.

After winning back-to-back state championships, Mitchell County is no longer chasing respect. The Eagles are chasing history.