Jets stretch section streak

James Clemens runner Jase Bell competes at the Class 7A, Section 4 track and field meet. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – The losses seemed devastating for the James Clemens High School girls track and field team heading into the Class 7A, Section 4 meet at home Saturday.

Missing was state record holder and Mississippi State signee Kayla Williams, who earlier tore an ACL. Also out with a shoulder injury was Jennifer Reese, ranked second in the state for the pole vault and a top five high jumper. A hurdler was absent.

That all mattered little as the Jets dominasted and won their third straight championship with 192.50 points, followed by Huntsville (151.50) and Bob Jones (135).

Bob Jones won the boys division in dramatic fashion. The Patriots and Jets were tied entering the meet’s final event, the 4 x 400-meter relay, and the former won by two seconds to finish with a 175-174 edge.

“This was one of the most enjoyable and competitive track meets in my 30 years,’’ James Clemens coach Drew Bell said.

Section champions for the Jets included Miguel Cortez (javelin), Noah Graham (pole vault) and Zach Hancock (shot put).

James Clemens girls winning titles were Vada Samuels (400), Dekonte Gistarb (100 hurdles), Shataeya Ligon (long jump) and the 4 x 400 team of Samuels, Uriah James, Audrey Blakely and Rachel Seeley.

Four sectionals including four classifications were held Saturday at a crowded James Clemens. Bell said it went successfully to the point he wants to host bigger events.

“This was a great step for James Clemens on possibly one day of hosting state,’’ he said.