Girls track and field preview

The favorite: Westlake. The 2009 champs barely missed repeating in 2010. The Lions, consistently one of the top programs in the state, are back again this season with a deep and versatile squad. Always solid on the track, Westlake could open an early lead during field-event competition Thursday behind the efforts of seniors Ashley Johnson (shot put and discus), Aminah Blount (long jump), Shaquavia Porter (high jump) and Keanu Hall (triple jump). M.L. King and Peachtree Ridge are just as formidable.

Also in the hunt: Alpharetta, Wheeler, Campbell, Parkview, Collins Hill

Athletes to watch: Jada Martin, M.L. King, 100 and 200 meters; Khadija Stuckey, Langston Hughes, 100-meter hurdles; Felicia Brown, M.L. King, 400 meters; Brooke Koblitz, Centennial, 800 and 1,600 meters.

Class AAAA

The favorite: Southwest DeKalb. The Panthers’ attempt at a fourth consecutive title was thwarted last season. This year they will look to start a new streak, led by senior Morgan Snow in the 100 meters, 110-meter hurdles and the triple jump. The classification has perhaps the state’s top athlete in Kell sophomore Kendell Williams. Also, the expected 100-meter final with Snow, Dutchtown senior Cierra Sims and Union Grove junior Brianna Vaughn should be a classic.

Also in the hunt: Redan, Starr’s Mill, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Statesboro

Athletes to watch: Snow; Sims, 100 and 200 meters; Vaughn, 100 and 200 meters; Williams, 100- and 300-meter hurdles, high jump; Anna Bowles, Lakeside-Evans, 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

Class AAA

The favorite: Monroe-Albany. The school is in search of its third consecutive team title, its sixth since 2000. The Tornados are led by senior jumper Mimieux “Mimi” Land and senior sprinter Maikea Davis. Cedar Grove and St. Pius will challenge for the top spot as well.

Also in the hunt: Allatoona, Carrollton, Dalton, Eagle’s Landing, West Hall

Athletes to watch: LeNiesha Kearse, West Hall, 100-meter hurdles; Jade Perry, Monroe-Albany, 100 and 200 meters; Kristina Delpesche, Columbus, 800 and 1,600 meters; Erin Osment, St. Pius, 3,200 meters.

Class AA

The favorite: Southeast Bulloch. The Yellow Jackets are looking for their first title since 2003. Sophomore Breanna Gates (200 meters) leads a deep and talented squad. But Therrell, always one of the top programs in the state, will provide a stiff challenge.

Also in the hunt: Albany, Armuchee, Brooks County, Carver-Columbus, Decatur, Tattnall County, Temple

Athletes to watch: Kevia Gonzales, Therrell, 100 meters; Sandrika Simmons, Therrell, 400 meters, 300-meter hurdles; Sarah Fletcher, Westminster, 3,200 meters; Ashleigh Rasheed, Decatur, triple jump.

Class A

The favorite: Athens Christian. The Eagles’ boys won last weekend in Jefferson. Like the boys squad, the girls are led by one of eight Jenkins children, Destiny, a junior. She’ll go after the 800- and 1,600-meter titles to go with the 3,200-meter championship won last week by older brother Joshua, a senior.

Also in the hunt: Bryan County, Darlington, Hancock Central, Jenkins County, Whitefield Academy

Athletes to watch: Hannah Wood, Mt. Zion-Carrollton, 100 and 200 meters; Britney Thomas, Hawkinsville, long jump; Synera Shelton, Southwest Atlanta Christian, 100 hurdles.

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2011 Georgia girls track and field championships

Where: Hugh Mills Stadium, Albany State

When: Thursday-Saturday

Thursday: Running event preliminaries for Class A-AAA begin at 4 p.m. Finals for 1,600 meters in AAAA and AAAAA begin at 7:30. Finals for 3,200 meters in A-AAA begin at 7:50.

Friday: Field event finals for all classifications begin at 9 a.m. Running event preliminaries for AAAA and AAAAA begin at 5:30. Finals for 1,600 meters in A-AAA begin at 7:45 p.m. Finals for 3,200 meters in AAAA and AAAAA begin at 8:15 p.m.

Saturday: All remaining finals begin at 12:15 p.m.