The Southern Section track and field prelims are set for Saturday, with four high schools hosting the action across different divisions. All eyes, however, will be on the Division 3 meet at Yorba Linda, where two powerhouse programs—Servite and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame—look to punch their tickets to the championship round.

Servite brings a deep roster of sprinters, while Notre Dame counters with speedsters, hurdlers, and shot putters. Both teams are laser-focused on qualifying their top athletes for the Southern Section championships on May 16 at Moorpark High. "We're trying to qualify but also build upon all our races," said Servite coach Brandon Thomas.

After a season plagued by injuries, Servite appears to be hitting its stride. Robert Gardner, a sprinter sidelined for much of the year, made a statement in his comeback race last week, clocking 10.87 seconds in the 100 meters. He's one of four Servite athletes aiming to qualify in that event. Another returning standout, Jaelen Hunter, is back in action and will compete in the 400 meters.

Notre Dame's Brayden Borquez has also bounced back strong. After a tough spill at the Arcadia Invitational, he rebounded to win the 110 hurdles at the Mission League finals last week. Meanwhile, JJ Harel—the defending state champion in the high jump—is expanding his repertoire, gearing up to score points in both the long jump and triple jump.

Beyond the track at Yorba Linda, a separate story is brewing. Opponents of transgender athlete AB Hernandez, who competes for Jurupa Valley, are planning a news conference to protest her participation in the Division 3 meet.

Other division finals will take place at Trabuco Hills (Division 1), Ontario (Division 2), and Carpinteria (Division 4), ensuring a full day of high-stakes competition across Southern California.