Four 4x8s at 5A/6A Decided By Less Than 5 Seconds Total!

Friday's events at Class 5/6 did not disappoint. They were so good in fact that over the course of the four 4x8 finals, it took only 4.6 seconds to decide all three races with one coming down to a photo finish.  You can check out the races below. 

VHSL Group 5 Girls 4x8

The 5A Girls race was one for the favorites. For most of the race it was John Champe, Deep Run, and Glen Allen battling it out. Late in the race though JC was able to pull away and looked like they couldn't be caught with Bethany Graham on anchor. That was until sprint specialist and now 800 star, Star Price made her move for Glen Allen. She went wide and nearly made up the deficit in the final meters but ultimately John Champe's lead was too great and they won. 

VHSL Group 6 Girls 4x8

The Class 6 girls race was actually the race decided by the largest difference and that was just over three seconds! Despite that "big" difference it was actually quite a close race throughout and only late did South Lakes pull away. Throughout the race though W.T. Woodson and West Springfield led the competition it was South Lakes' depth though that outlasted everyone to the tune of a new VA No. 1 time. They now lead the state in both the 4x4 and 4x8 relays. 

VHSL Group 5 Boys 4x8

In an interesting turn of events, it was L.C. Bird and Deep Run both the top seeds entered in the event running with some of their strongest legs first. Colby Burcham for Deep Run and Josiah Hill for LC Bird. These two teams led nearly the entire race with the occasional company from Hickory and Bethel but on the final two laps it was just Deep Run and Bird. Ultimately this race came down to a dive at the line with Jake Schindel putting it all on the line to bring home the .02 second victory for Deep Run. 

VHSL Group 6 Boys 4x8

Watch the race video here! 

Closing out the 4x8 competition was another instant classic. This race, like the ones before it was also a nail-biter to the last few seconds. In this one six teams had a chance at the title when they heard the bell. You had pre-race favorites GCM and indoor champs WT Woodson but ultimately it was Ocean Lakes making the big move to pull away with 400m to go. West Springfield though played their cards perfectly and down the final stretch could not be beat. They took home the title in 7:49 with Ocean Lakes finishing second in a quick 7:50 school record.