Hammond Pursuing 8th Straight Title with Win Over Augusta Christian

Larry Gamble

HSSR Photo Editor

Columbia – One of the first really cold days of fall, and it was the a hot night for the Hammond Skyhawks as they faced the Augusta Christian Lions in the final playoff game. Winner goes on to the SCISA Class AAAA State Championship. Hammond defeated the Lions 55-7 and will face Porter Gaud on Friday, November 22^nd at Charleston Southern University with kick off at 7pm.

From the start of the game, Hammond took control and never let up. On the opening kick off by Augusta Christian, Hammond’s junior QB/RB is the kickoff return man, Ben Muela Kiser (5-11, 170) took the ball 76 yards for their first touchdown and senior kick Aspen Brooks' (6-0, 160) point after was good.  Just 16 seconds into the game, the score was 7-0 Hammond. The entire first half, when Hammond touched the ball, they scored a touch down.

Their next possession, Hammond took 7 plays and 3 minutes, 2 seconds to drive from the Lions 38 to being first and goal from the 5.  That's where senior RB Immanuel Johnson (5-10, 190) took the hand off and make their next score. Senior kicker, Aspen Brooks, who would nailed every point after kick during the game, this gave the Skyhawks a 14-0 lead. 

After another Lions punt from their 17 with 4:34 left in the first quarter, saw senior WR Jack Croft (5-10, 165) catch the punt at the 50 and advance it to the Lions 25 to start their next drive. Three plays later, it is third and one at the 2 yard line, Croft takes ball around the edge for another Hammond TD. This time, the Skyhawks got for two points and fail making it 20-0. 

The Lions get the ball back with 2:44 left in the first and starting at their own 32 this time, and they ended up punting. Going into the second period, Hammond again starts out in Lions territory, after a couple no gain attempts, senior QB Andrew Turner (6-1, 195)  finds Johnson for a big gain to set up first and goal from the 5 yard line. On the next play, Hammond scores and with Brooks PAT good that gives Hammond a 27-0 lead with 10:56 left in the second quarter.

Having found nothing to throw the Skyhawk defense off their game so far, Augusta Christian gets the ball at their 38.  This starts a 12 play drive that almost falters at the beginning with a fumble but the Lions recover and only lost four yards. They mount a 12 play drive, burning 5:30 off the clock; while it results in the Lions best series; it results in the only score of the night bringing the score to 27-7.

Of course, Hammond Ball is always on game. Getting the kickoff after the August score at their own 35, the Skyhawks begin a 10 play march to the 11.  There on 2^nd and 1, senior RB Kinson Holland (5-9, 205) scores from 11 yards out and another Brooks PAT puts the score at 34-7 with 43 seconds left in the half.

On the kick off, the Lions start at their 17 and two plays later, Hammond’s senior DB Preston Springs (5-10, 160) intercepts Augusta Christian's senior QB John Williams (5-10, 150) pass at the 49 and Hammond lets time expire to go into halftime leading 34-7.

The second half did not see the Lions find the keys to another strong series. Neither team managing much until 6:03 in the third when Hammond takes over after a turn over on downs at the Skyhawks 24. First play, Johnson takes the ball for a 24 yard gain setting up 1^st and 10 at the 49. The next play, Kiser gets the ball and goes 51 yards for another score combined with Brooks PAT, that makes it 41-7 ball game. 

Other Hammond highlights of the second half, senior DB Preston Springs (5-10, 160) picks off a Lions pass at their 36 and takes all the way home. Springs' pick six and Brooks PAT makes it 48-7. One other bit of heads up play was by sophomore LB Bubba Alexander scooping up a Lions fumble and taking it 41 yards for a TD. His “scoop and go” with Brooks PAT were the final points scored in the 55-7 win to advance Hammond to the title game.

After the game, the HSSR spoke with Hammond head coach Jon Wheeler. “There is reason August (Christian) is playing in this semi-final game, the Carter Brothers are good and Dallas Carter made a great catch on us.” Coach Wheeler said, “We just kept battling, and managed to score on defense.’ “I’m very proud of our guys... and our back ups... they stepped up when needed.” Of note, the backup defense faced a goal line stand at the end of the game that stopped the Lions last chance to score. 

Looking ahead to the Championship, coach Wheeler said “Porter Gaud is a tough, senior heavy team, and a well-coached football team.” These two teams played earlier this season, and coach Wheeler had this to say. “We have gotten better and they’ve gotten better; it’s going to be a tough task” in the championship game.

When asked about the drive to an 8^th straight state title, coach Wheeler gave credit to a Hammond Football culture that goes way back. “When I came here in 2009, that culture has been alive way before I got here with Coach Kimrey, Coach Barnes, Coach Bennett, Coach Smith. All those guys (who came before) and (that’s) pretty special to be part of.” 

The SCISA Class AAAA championship game pits Hammond against Porter Gaud at Charleston Southern University, this Friday, Nov. 22 starting at 7pm.