The race for a third consecutive state championship just gained serious momentum as Darius Robinson and the Mitchell County Eagles blasted through the Class A Division II sectionals this week in Pembroke. The two-time defending state champs displayed overwhelming power and depth at Bryan County High School, setting a fierce tone ahead of the GHSA State Track and Field Championships scheduled for May 11 at the University of Georgia in Athens.
Darius Robinson, a senior standout sprinter and hurdler, was unstoppable. His triple win in the 200-meter dash, 110-meter hurdles, and 300-meter hurdles lit up the track and energized his teammates, solidifying his status as the frontrunner to lead the Eagles back to glory.
But Mitchell County’s strength goes far beyond one star. Scoring across the board, the Eagles demonstrated a record-breaking lineup with athletes placing in distance runs, relays, and field events. Distance ace Willie Davis grabbed second in the 1600-meter run and third in the 800, while Parnell Yates soared to third place in the long jump.
Depth was Mitchell County’s secret weapon, especially in hurdles. With Jerran Grissom and Jonathan Isom placing third and fourth in the 110 hurdles and swapping places in the 300 hurdles, the Eagles packed serious firepower into two of the meet’s most taxing events.
Relay teams further boosted Mitchell County’s haul, placing second in the 4×200 and 4×800 relays, third in the 4×100, and filling the score sheet with a sixth-place finish in the 4×400. This widespread strength makes the Eagles an unstoppable force heading into state.
Southwest Georgia Stars Also Shine
Other Southwest Georgia programs also left a mark at sections. Early County sprint stars Kayden Kendrix and Andreveion Lee secured second and fourth in the 100-meter dash, while Jammel Griffin from Early County finished second in both the 200 and 400-meter dashes. Randolph-Clay’s Tyre Smith took third in the 400.
Baconton Charter’s distance runners kept pace with top finishes from Anthony Escalante and Tyler Hayes, who placed fourth and fifth in distance runs and second in the 3200-meter respectively.
The field was equally competitive with Terrell County’s Kaleb White leaping to sectional champion status in the long jump, backed by strong showings from Parnell Yates and Keontrez Lindsey from Early County. Meanwhile, Randolph-Clay’s Rae’Shawn Clyde snagged second in the triple jump, and Baconton Charter’s James Barrow claimed a tie for first in the pole vault.
State Spotlight Now on Athens
With dominant sectional performances fresh in hand, the spotlight turns to the University of Georgia where the state championship awaits. Mitchell County is no longer chasing respect — they’re chasing history, aiming for a third straight state title that would cement their dynasty in Georgia track.
This group’s depth, star power, and relentless drive position them as the team to beat. As May 11 approaches, all eyes will be on the Eagles to see if they can turn sectional dominance into state glory once again.
“Every time Darius steps on the track, the whole team rises — we’re poised to make history in Athens,” said a Mitchell County coach.
The coming days will be key to watch as training intensifies and the chase for another championship heats up. Track fans nationwide should keep Mitchell County on their radar as this historic run unfolds.
