Nailed it: Hammond hammers Laurence Manning to win SCISA 4A championship
The classification might have changed, but the streak continues for Hammond football.
The Skyhawks won their sixth-straight SCISA state championship with a 52-0 win over Laurence Manning on Friday at Charleston Southern University.
It’s Hammond’s 20th state championship overall but the first in the newly formed SCISA 4A. The other titles came in Class 3A, but SCISA expanded to four classifications starting this season.
“These boys are unbelievable,” Hammond coach Jon Wheeler said. “These kids buy in, play hard and make up for any kind of calls I make that may not go our way. I can’t think of anything better than coaching these guys other than being with my family.”
The championship is Wheeler’s second at Hammond. He took over for Erik Kimrey, who left to coach at the University of South Carolina and is now at Baylor School in Tennessee. Wheeler often talks about maintaining Hammond’s culture and tradition while also putting on his own stamp on the program.
That stamp included playing a difficult early schedule this year. Hammond started the season at 1-2, playing the likes of Prince Avenue (Ga.) and Gaffney. The Skyhawks finished the season on a 10-game winning streak.
It was the team’s second win over Laurence Manning this year. Hammond defeated LMA 37-6 on Sept. 9. That was the only touchdown allowed by Hammond’s first-team defense against SCISA opponents all year. Hammond gave up 92 total points all season.
The Skyhawks’ defense was put in a couple of tough spots because of Hammond turnovers or big plays from Laurence Manning, but they were up to the task each time. Hammond’s defensive line also did a good job making things tough for LMA quarterback Tyler June, a South Carolina baseball commit.
“The defense bailed us out, getting to the quarterback and getting him off his spot as far as pressure is concerned,” Wheeler said.
Hammond’s defense forced five turnovers, including two interceptions by Rucker Brannon who returned one for a touchdown to make it 38-0 late in the third quarter. After crossing the goal line, Brannon ran to his father, who was standing behind the end zone, and gave him the ball and a big hug. Brannon’s brother, Brig, also returned an interception for a touchdown two years ago in the state championship against LMA.
“I dreamed of that since I was little, getting a pick six in a championship game and giving it to my dad,” said Rucker Brannon, who blocked three punts last week against Porter-Gaud. “That was my favorite pick of the year for sure.”
Hammond wasted no time getting on the board with a score on their first offensive play of the game. Jayson Roberts scored on a 57-yard touchdown on a reverse 22 seconds in the game.
Wheeler went up to Roberts before the game and told him they would be running that play. Roberts assured his coach it was going to work.
“I love that play,” Roberts said. “It allowed me to show my speed to college coaches. I knew with my offensive line out there, I would be able to get out there to score. I am happy that coach trusted me with the first play of the game.”
Omari Bennett scored on a jet sweep, running back Aidan Canzater had a TD run in the first half and Dylan Richardson added a field goal to make it 24-0 at halftime.
Sophomore Immanuel Johnson led Hammond with 120 yards rushing and a TD.
Canzater finished finished with 64 yards rushing and two TDs. Bennett had six catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Richardson was 7-of-12 passing for 99 yards, two scores and rushed for 49 yards.
It was the fourth time Hammond scored more than 50 points in a game this season.
This story was originally published November 18, 2022 at 10:40 PM.
