Blea and Chavez lift Piedra Vista boys past Farmington; girls prevail

Piedra Vista’s boys powerlifting team posted a 55-35 victory over Farmington in the first local prep meet of the season, propelled by standout performances from Isaiah Blea and Jalan Chavez. The meet at Piedra Vista High School showcased heavy lifts across multiple weight classes and underscored the growing depth of powerlifting across San Juan County.

Blea won the 132-lb. division with a combined total of 880 pounds, while Chavez recorded the meet’s best individual total, lifting 770 pounds to capture the 165-lb. crown. Those totals provided the backbone of Piedra Vista’s team score and secured key victories in head-to-head flights that decide dual-meet points.

Farmington still produced notable individual numbers. Logan Yazzie led the Scorpions with a three-attempt series of 340, 360, and 380 pounds for a combined 1,080 total, the highest single total posted at the meet. Teammate Tate McSalka cleared the 800-pound threshold with an 880 total, matching other season-opening benchmarks, and Nate Sewell finished second in his flight with 655 pounds. Those lifts kept Farmington competitive through several weight classes even as the Panthers accumulated the margin that decided the boys outcome.

Piedra Vista’s Aiden Carey was a consistent force in the 129-lb. division, posting lifts of 265, 285, and 295 pounds for an 845-pound final total. On the girls side, Farmington’s Emmie Fitzgerald and Piedra Vista’s Brooklyn Johnson finished first and second in the 132-lb. class, respectively, helping Farmington secure a 45-38 edge over Piedra Vista in the girls competition. Defending Class 5A state champion Haliegh Doyle competed for Piedra Vista in the 95-lb. division, logging a 525-pound total highlighted by a 245-pound final lift.

For local schools, the meet offered both program validation and recruiting momentum. Strong individual totals such as Yazzie’s 1,080 and Blea’s 880 provide headline numbers that can attract interest from younger lifters in Farmington and surrounding communities, while close team scores signal that both Piedra Vista and Farmington have the depth to make county and regional meets competitive this winter.

Powerlifting competition in San Juan County continues Saturday at the Chieftain Pit for the Shiprock 6th Annual Invite, which begins at 8 a.m. Fans wanting a detailed breakdown can view full meet results at liftingcast.com. With state qualifiers and larger invitationals on the horizon, the performances here set an early tone for the season and give local programs measurable benchmarks to build on.