Since competitive cheer was introduced as a S.C. High School League sport, Chronicle Country teams have dominated the trophy collections.

Starting with Airport that year in Class 4A, local teams have accounted for 25 state championships. Chapin High School has accounted for just over half of those championships with a state record 13, including 9 in the last 10 years under Vicki Williams.

In 2013, River Bluff beat out the Lady Eagles to win the school’s first-ever state title in Class 3A. Five years later, the two teams will go at it head-to-head again this Saturday at Colonial Life Arena. This time, it’s in Class 5A with another pair of former champions Lexington and Dutch Fork.

The Lady Silver Foxes have won both Class 5A titles since 2016, while the Lady Wildcats are seeking their 3rd state title since 2013.

This past Saturday at the Class 5A qualifier at River Bluff High School featured an all-Chronicle Country finish in the Top 4 rankings.

The host team Lady Gators scored 352 points to place first by three points over Chapin, followed by Lexington (329) and the defending Class 5A champion Lady Silver Foxes (320).

White Knoll completed the qualifying sweep for Region 5-5A schools by placing 8th among the 16 finalists.

“Winning (Class 5A qualifer) was a huge boost of confidence for our team,” River Bluff head coach Koren Haney said. “The girls have been working so hard all season and each week we have seen improvement on the mat. BUT...we aren’t done yet, and we know that we have to continue to improve to grab the top spot at state.”

The championships start at 11 am with Class 3A which will include Gilbert and Gray Collegiate. Airport and and Brookland-Cayce will compete in Class 4A.