Skyhawks' goal line defense is the difference
Hammond 20
Heathwood Hall 16
Story and photos
by Mike Maddock
Mike@TheColumbiaStar.com

Hammond senior linebacker Carter Scott acknowledges the Hammond crowd as the final seconds tick off the clock. Scott had 11 tackles and helped hold the Highlanders to 32 yards rushing.

Many expected a lot of points and a lot of offense when the Hammond Skyhawks travelled to Heathwood Hall to face their arch rival Friday, October 13, 2006. The numbers backed that thought process. The Skyhawks averaged just over 423 yards and 35.4 points per game, and the Highlanders averaged 33 points against their last three opponents. In the end though, it was defense that decided this game.

With 4:30 to go in the second quarter and the score tied at 6-6, the Highlanders drove the ball from midfield and had a first down on the Skyhawk three-yard line. Two runs by Adam Walker netted one yard, and a third down run got the Highlanders to the one-yard line. On fourth and goal, the Highlanders tried one more run, but the Hammond defense stuffed it.

The Skyhawk offense took possession on it's own 6"-line. Hammond QB Punky DaSilva then faked a hand-off to Jarry Kuilian, then launched a pass across the middle of the field to a streaking Rashad Ishmael behind the Highlander secondary. Ishmael raced untouched into the end zone completing the longest touchdown pass in Hammond history.

Hammond senior running back Jarry Kuilian runs for a first down. Kuilian finished with 100 yards and two touchdowns.

The Skyhawks took a 13-6 advantage into halftime, and looked like they were taking control in the third quarter when they completed a 95-yard, six minute and 48 second scoring drive. Running back Jarry Kuilian did most of the damage for the Skyhawks, rushing nine times for 56 yards and a touchdown.

The Highlanders battled back and got new life in the fourth quarter when James Rogers intercepted a DaSilva pass and got an extra 15-yards on a Hammond face-mask call to bring the ball to the Skyhawk 18-yard line. A Whalen pass to Hampton Graham got the ball to the six-yard line. Then on fourth and goal from the two, Whalen powered in to draw the Highlanders within four at 20-16. The PAT was no good.

Hammond cheerleader Caroline Neuffer is happy about the Skyhawks goal line stand.

The Skyhawks' next possession ended in a punt and a Hampton Graham return to the Skyhawk 23-yard line with 7:23 remaining in the game. Two plays later, the Highlanders found themselves facing a third and 15. Whalen found Graham for an 18-yard connection and the Highlanders had first and goal from the ten-yard line. They could get no closer than the seven-yard line and with just over four minutes remaining, Heathwood Hall Coach John Daye opted for a field goal. The Hammond defense rose up again and blocked the attempt.

With 3:47 remaining in the game, Hammond Head Coach Erik Kimrey turned to Kuilian again, giving him the ball five straight times. The senior collected 33 yards including 14 on a third and six play that iced the game and allowed Kimrey to call for the victory formation. The 20-16 victory was the first in the series for Hammond since 1998.

The Skyhawks improve to 8-0 (2-0) and will travel to Ben Lippen Friday, October 20. The Highlanders fall to 4-4 (1-1) and travel to Augusta Christian next.

Heathwood Hall QB Brett Whalen (l) tries to escape the rush of Hammond's Blake Wells. Whalen completed 18 of 29 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 16 yards and a touchdown. Wells had four tackles.

Heathwood Hall cheerleaders Rustin Cassels and Molly Love show their appreciation for the seniors. Heathwood Hall students (l-r) Steve Hickman, Alex Zelisko, and Joseph Ellis enthusiastically welcome the Highlanders on the field by banging a metal drum. A man of many talents; Hammond Headmaster Adam de Pencier