District One Talk: The 4x800m

So how does everyone think the 4x8 will shake out at Districts? Which teams will go hot? Which teams will opt of individuals? And most importantly who will climb out of the mess and punch a ticket to states?

Here are the last 4 years worth of state qualifiers in the 4x8 out of District One
2012
Bensalem*
Pennridge*
Spring Ford
Penncrest*
West Chester Henderson
Downingtown West
Upper Darby
2011
CB West*
Spring Ford
West Chester Henderson
Central Bucks South*
Abington
Strath Haven*
Pennridge
North Penn
2010
CB West*
Abington*
CB South
Wissahickon
CR South*
CR North*
Penncrest
Haverford
2009
CB South*
Upper Dublin*
Henderson*
North Penn*
Souderton*
Penncrest*
Bensalem
Abington

More teams than this have hit the SQS but not made it through to states. The teams marked with a * grabbed a medal come states time.

Its clear that teams have runs at the 4x8 where they are consistently at the top. One of those teams has been quite the surprise the past two years at districts: Spring Ford. They seem to be a sleeper pick to think about even though I know they are missing some key pieces such as O'Such. CB South is another team that is up in the mix every year. Even without Mallon they churned out some really solid relays and they will be a sleeper as well.

The way I see it here are the top teams on paper that will be contending for a spot in the finals. After that anything can happen. These are in no particular order I just looked at last year's finalists.
Henderson- They gotta decide how all in they want to go, but even without a few of their top guns they will be competitve.
Upper Darby- Always a solid team year in and year out. I felt indoors they were on the verge of something big and I haven't given up.
Pennridge- If Logue wants to try and help his teammates get to states in the 4x8 he can manage a 4x8, 8, 4x4 weekend. But it's a tiny bit of a risk and maybe a bit of a waste of time. With all their best pieces they are a 7:55 or lower squad but without Logue they will really struggle to get to finals.
Bensalem- Certainly the favorites out of D1
Downingtown West- They have been finalists the past two years. This year they will only get there if they focus Leidal on the event. They have the pieces, but the 32-4x8 double is not realistic, he could try the 16 though and have success.
Spring Ford- As mentioned it's a long shot, but they should remain in the convo. Mussetti is a solid piece, maybe they have a few more waiting to rock at districts yet again.
CB West- They have always had a good relay. They don't have the big gun Metzler that got them to the finals a year ago but they have some solid runners so maybe they can mix it up yet again.
CB East- Always in the hunt and this year they have the pieces to run very quick. It's a matter of getting over the hump and finally getting qualified for the first time since who knows when.
Penncrest- A state medalist indoors, a consistent 4x8 power in the district, they will come to play
Great Valley- they have some horses, but I'm not sure they have enough pure speed guys, they are built like an XC team in my mind
North Penn- See Penncrest, but add on a few more state championships. They used to be a dynasty in this event and I don't anticipate them falling off the map. They medaled at indoor states and Macauley's recent injuries may make him a 4x8 onlly guy when all is said and done
Downingtown East- They are really strong this year, easily the most talent they have ever had in my time watching them and a great anchor. The team is on board with going for it and I imagine they will have a fresh team. I'm excited to see them run.
CB South- They have consistently had solid 4x8 squads. I'm not sure how much talent they have but they will run competitive and be in the hunt.
Cheltenham- They ran 7:56 at Penn. That's all you need to know. They will be in the hunt.
Abington- I'm excited to see Abington back in the mix. This a team that used to rule the 4x8 and had some really good 4-8 dominated squads. They are on the rise but maybe a year or two away from being dominate again.
Upper Merion- Christian Sanders will determine how far this team goes. He is a complete stud.
CR South- Jeff Wiseman will determine how far this team goes. He is a complete stud.
Pennwood- I know they have Christian Hunter at 1:56 and another guy sub 2 with a tough name to spell. That's enough to at least get you a mention.
West Chester East- They have a bunch of talented guys, I just don't see them putting together a relay
Strath Haven- If Huemmler runs the 4x8 I'll be really surprised. He is a team player so maybe. But with Butera out of the line up for a bit, I just don't see it.
Upper Dublin- My alma mater has the best squad they had since I left (when we had Sam Ellison carrying us). Ferruzzi has made the transistion to speed guy and they have some younger guys with some talent. I'm going to be watching and hoping for the best.

There are probably more teams to talk about. If you got other teams post them up here in the comments!
My bet for the 12 teams to go to finals:
Henderson, Upper Darby, Bensalem, CB East, North Penn, CB South, Cheltenham, Abington, Upper Dublin, DT East, Penncrest, DT West

Comment away!