Temple's Harry Sheppard, the 2007 state runner-up in 5A, is among the favorites, but Plano East junior Toddrick Allen could jump to the top in his state debut.

Allen cleared a personal-best 6-10 at the 9-5A district meet.

South Grand Prairie's Jonathan Talkington outdueled Flower Mound senior Jack Spinks, the national high jump leader, at the Region I meet to earn a state berth.

Klein's Josh Poe leads the qualifiers with a season-high 6-10 ½ .

Converse Judson is sending two high jumpers – senior Isiah Clements and junior Ned Cox, both of whom hit 6-8 at the regional meet.

In 4A, all eight qualifiers, including Wichita Falls' Wade Thornton, cleared 6-8 at their regional meets.

Atlanta's Bobby Washington, seeded first in 3A, defends his state title.

JAMES LOTT: Refugio