Relay Quartet Runs 38.92 To Take Down 26-Year-Old National High School Record

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Jelani Watkins was a difference-maker in the chase for one of the oldest high school national records on the books. 

The senior from Humble Atascocita TX, an LSU football and track recruit, anchored his teammates to a jaw-dropping time of 38.92 seconds in the 4x100 relay Saturday at the Rice Victor Lopez Classic. An electric atmosphere was also charged by second-place Duncanville, which also ran under the record with 39.65. 

Wyatt of Fort Worth ran 39.76 in 1998 and it has been the standard ever since. Until Saturday. 

Watkins also won the 100 meters in 10.22 seconds and the 200 in 20.75, both wind-legal. Those times are both US#2 for legal wind readings. 

Relay teammate and leadoff Tory Blaylock is also a high-level football recruit set to choose his college destination this week. Landon Fontenot and Jordan Parker were on the second and third legs. 

Parker was second in the 400 meters in US#7 47.05 and Fontenot was third in US#8 47:08.

Parker, Fontenot, Watkins and Eli Nettles concluded the day with US#1 3:11.17 in the 4x400 relay. Duncanville ran US#2 3:11.74.