MCHS Tigers enter state with high hopes

Morgan City High School track and field coach Gary Johnson and the Tigers’ track and field teams are going to state with high hopes.
They have the regional times to back it up.
The Tigers enter the state meet with the second best time in the 4x200 meter relay and 4x100 meter relay, while sprinter Jaylen Jones is second in the 200-meter run and Darryl Johnson is seeded fourth in the shot put.
Even Malcolm Watkins and Jones, who both are seeded sixth and ninth, respectively, are seen by Johnson as title contenders.
Of his time with the track program, Johnson said this year is redemption in the 4x100-meter relay and 4x200-meter relay from the building he has done with the program, which has battled injuries in the past.
“It’s the best team that I think I can put together since I’ve been here,” Johnson said. “Man, our chances are good. … This is what every coach wants and works hard … for.”
The Tigers’ 4x200 meter relay is seeded second at 1:28.48, while Lagrange is the top seed at 1:28.41. Third seed Northside is not far behind at 1:28.81.
In the 4x100 meter relay, Morgan City is seeded second at 42.49, while Karr is first after beating Morgan City in regionals with a time of 42.34.
However, Johnson said the Tigers’ relay had a “hiccup” in an exchange during the event that hurt them.
“Once the exchanges are smooth, the time is going to be there,” Johnson said, noting the squad has been working on those.
The Tigers’ 4x100 and 4x200 meter relays consist of Buddy Humphrey, Kevon Marsh, Tierell Jones and Jaylen Jones.
In the triple jump, Watkins is seeded sixth with a leap of 44 feet, 9.5 inches, while Jones is ninth with a leap of 44 feet, 1.5 inches.
Watkins finished third in state last year with a leap of 45 feet, 1.75 inches, while Jones fouled in the event.
Defending Class 4A triple jump champion Daquan Bellard of Opelousas returns with the top leap entering state at 47 feet, 10 inches.
Bellard won the state title a year ago with a leap of 45 feet, 11.5 inches.
Johnson said Jones and Watkins have jumped further than their regional marks, and he expects them to jump 46 or 47 feet, which he said would be needed to with that event. Johnson said his duo has the ability but he is teaching them the technical aspects of the triple jump.
In the 200, Jones is seeded second at 22.03 while Riverdale’s Donte’ Jackson has the top time at 21.46.
Johnson said he thinks Jones is capable of winning a state title in the event.
“Jaylen has not run his fastest yet … as far as I’m concerned,” Johnson said.
In the shot put, Johnson said he expects Darryl Johnson to do great things.
“He’s excited,” coach Johnson said. “He’s motivated.”
Johnson is seeded fourth at state after tossing the shot put 47 feet, 8 inches during regionals. Darren Duhon of enters state with the top throw with a toss of 50 feet, 7.75 inches.