By Erik Boal, DyeStatCAL Editor

Here is an event-by-event breakdown of what to look for in these boys field events Friday and Saturday at the 98th CIF State Championships:

High Jump

Favorite: Darius Carbin, Mt. Pleasant. With six 7-foot jumpers expected to compete for the state title, Carbin’s experience from the World Youth Outdoor Championships and New Balance Indoor Nationals could prove invaluable and his focus is solely on capturing this gold.

Other contenders: Elijah Hughes, JW North; Isaiah Holmes, Oakmont; Earnest Sears, Alemany. Holmes and Hughes both cleared 7-1 in their final dress rehearsals before the state meet and Sears has also cleared 7 feet, making them all capable of winning the title.

Sleeper: Sean Lee, Trabuco Hills. The sophomore standout has cleared 7-0.25, but hasn’t cleared 7 feet since March, so he’ll need a big effort to capture the championship.

Long Jump

Favorite: Isaiah Holmes, Oakmont. Changed the landscape in this event with a wind-aided 25-11.5 at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters to take over the national lead and is looking to become the first Sac-Joaquin athlete to win the title since 2001.

Other contenders: Lawrence White, Bakersfield Ridgeview. The Central Section star was the state leader until Holmes’ performance, but has the potential to leap 25 feet and capture the championship.

Sleeper: Dennis Hicks, Bakersfield Liberty. Has jumped 24 feet this season and the senior’s athleticism makes him a contender any time he’s on the runway.

Triple Jump

Favorite: Dennis Hicks, Bakersfield Liberty. The senior has been on the cusp of a 50-foot effort several times in the past month and might need to do so in order to become the first Central Section athlete to win the title since 2008.

Other contenders: Seth Brooks, Kingsburg; Morrell Osling, Antelope Valley. Both made impressive statements with their victories at the Central Section and Southern Section Masters meets, with aspirations now to surpass 50 feet and capture the title.

Sleeper: Isaiah Holmes, Oakmont. Has surpassed 48 feet once this season, but thrives when the spotlight is the biggest and is motivated to make the podium in all three jumps.

Discus Throw

Favorite: Bronson Osborn, Esperanza. Although he produced a throw of 204-4 at the Mt. SAC Relays, the junior hasn’t surpassed 200 feet since, but he has the potential to deliver an enormous effort any time he’s in the ring.

Other contenders: Kyle Carrillo, Westlake; Seth Knowlton, Great Oak; Jacob Wilson, Buchanan. Carrillo put himself in strong contention for the title after throwing 200-1 at the Southern Section Masters Meet, with Knowlton and Wilson both building momentum toward potential 200-foot performances.

Sleeper: Nathan Esparza, Amador Valley. Won the North Coast Section Meet of Champions title with a 188-2 and has continued to elevate his level during the past month.

Shot Put

Favorite: Bronson Osborn, Esperanza. With Jordan Geist of Pennsylvania producing a 74-3.5 effort at his state final, Osborn will be motivated to improve on his lifetime best 71-7.25 and move closer to Brent Noon’s state record of 76-2.

Other contenders: Nathan Esparza, Amador Valley. Esparza has a personal-best 69-3 and is motivated to surpass 70 feet, a mark that could challenge Osborn for the championship.

Sleepers: McKay Johnson, Clovis North; Jacob Wilson, Buchanan. The Central Section stars have continued to push one another all season and are looking to secure spots on the podium.

Pole Vault

Favorite: Jett Gordon, Marina. Matched Oak Ridge’s Austin Laut by clearing 15-9 last season, but was edged for the title based on attempts. With his 17-2 clearance at the Southern Section Division 2 final, Gordon has aspirations of challenging the state meet record of 17-3 set by Los Gatos’ Nico Weiler in 2008.

Other contenders: Shane Peterson, Moorpark; Jacob Bowler, Del Oro. Both athletes have cleared 16-8 and will likely need to approach that height again in order to challenge Gordon.

Sleeper: Kyle Brown, La Costa Canyon. Has cleared 16-5 and would be the first state champion from the San Diego Section since 1995.