School Spirit to be on full display at GHSA Cheerleading State Championships

Teams across Georgia will be chasing either another trophy or a long-awaited first state title as the GHSA Cheerleading State Championships takes center stage Friday and Saturday at the Coliseum in Macon.

Friday features the Class 2A and 4A championships in the morning and then the Class 1A and Private competitions in the afternoon. On Saturday, Classes 3A and 5A will compete in the morning, with the day closing out with the 6A and COED competitions.

STREAKS AND FIRSTS

The 2024 GHSA Cheerleading State Championships featured first time winners and dynasties that were fulfilled, and this year all eyes should be on the state’s longest-running winning streak. Mount Paran, which will compete in the Class 1A-3A Private competition, has won 13 overall and consecutive championships dating to 2012-13. From 2012-13 to 2021-22, Paran won the A-Private competition before being reclassified to Class 2A where it won in 2022-23 and 2023-24 before rejoining the Private competition last season.

“Mt Paran has won their class for so many years,” said Penny Mitchell, GHSA Associate Director and Cheerleading Coordinator. “They have the highest score for private going into this weekend.”

Last year in Class 6A, North Forsyth repeated as state champs. In Class 5A, McIntosh won the 5A title, its ninth all time. Cartersville reclaimed the Class 4A championship, its first since 2018, and in Class 3A Cherokee Bluff took its first-ever championship win with a tie break with West Laurens.

“Cherokee Bluff is the defending champ and is sitting on top with a slim margin over West Laurens,” Mitchell said.

In Class 2A, Pierce County brought another trophy home, its first since winning five straight from 2015-19, and are rolling at the right time.

“Pierce County has been the high scorer in 2A all season,” Mitchell said. “They are the defending champions from that classification last year.”

Last season in Class A-Division I, Bremen won the team’s first title since 2006. In Class A-Division II, Lake Oconee Academy took its first-ever trophy home.

DEFENDING CHAMPS

McIntosh in 5A is coming back this year to get another win if the Chiefs can remain a high scorer like they have in years past. Cherokee Bluff is back on top as reigning champs in 3A, and the Bears are ready for another win. Pierce County has the highest scorer in 2A all season and are defending champions from last year’s classification. In the Private classification, Mt. Paran is back like clockwork after years of dominating the classification.

Last season, Class 6A was closely contested, with North Forsyth taking the title. However, there were many close opponents with four teams finishing within 2.5 points of each other.

“That is a dog fight waiting to happen,” said Mitchell.

THE MATCHUP

After Mt. Paran moved in reclassification, the 2A division looks to have some open spots for a hearty fight. Defending champs Pierce County have been keeping steady this season, with consistent 100+ score performances as the Bears had a great run through sectionals. In Class A Division I, Bremen is looking to defend its title last year and posted a 101-point sectional score. Gordon Lee and Armuchee are both great programs with pedigrees in this championship, however Bleckley County is competing in Division I after winning four previous titles in Class 2A and 1A. The Royals’ most recent title came in 2023 before they shifted down to A-Division I.

Class A-Division 2 is going to remain a close race as Lake Oconee Academy (2024 champion) has led the way in sectionals with 89 points. Close competitors are Trion and Metter who were two points away from ending in a tie with Lake Oconee.

It will be a very close COED competition, and several teams are expected to provide championship-caliber performances. Roswell (112), Denmark (111), Richmond Hill (110) and Walton (109.5) are all within the three-point margin of each other.

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