Richard Peek of Centre, Ala., moved to the top spot with an 18-pound, 5-ounce stringer that boosted him to 31-4 overall. Chris Baumgardner of Gastonia, N.C., vaulted from 43rd place on day one to second with another 18-5 bag that gave him 28-6. Zack Birge of Blanchard, Okla., and Todd Auten of Lake Wylie, S.C., trail Baumgardner by 6 ounces with identical 28-pound bags. The rest of the top 10 who will fish Saturday in the championship round include, in order of standing, George Kapiton, Randy Haynes, Jay Yelas, Chris McCall, Casey Gallagher and Bryant Thrift.
In the co-angler division, Carl Gillespie of Old Hickory, Tenn., is first with 19-5 and has a lead of 2 pounds, 1 ounce over James Callaghan of De Berry, Texas. Ryan Bowman of Seneca, S.C., is third with 16-7. Details to follow.
