Sectional qualifying for the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s track and field championships started Friday and will continue Saturday at venues all around the state.

Dallas County High competed in a sectional at Beauregard High School and had three athletes qualify for the 4A-7A state meet April 30-May 2 in Gulf Shores. Marquel Brenson qualified second overall in the shot put with a throw of 44 feet, 10 inches, Caleb McDougal was first in the discus with a distance of 114 feet, 10 inches and Kandyce Hardison qualified fifth in girls’ javelin to make the cut.

“They are three athletes that have really stepped up their game as we have moved up classifications,” said Dallas County coach Robert Dolbare. “I’m very proud of the hard work they put in last year and being able to step up against some elite competition.”

Dolbare said there’s been a learning curve with the Hornets moving up to 5A this year.

“That’s one thing that’s been a little different for us today. We’ve seen some schools that we are not as familiar with as schools we had in class 4A,” Dolbare said. “It’s been an exciting day for us.”

Selma High School took part in a sectional qualifier at Paul Bryant High School. Saints head coach Ivery Williams said nobody off the Selma team qualified Friday, but that he’s hopeful a couple of his athletes will make it to state with great performances Saturday.

Ellwood Christian and Keith were also scheduled to take part in Friday’s meet at Paul Bryant. Southside took part in Smith Station’s qualifier.

As of press time Friday night, results for Friday’s qualifiers were not yet available for those sites.