Falcons fight but Skyhawks soar
From Staff Reports

Brad Meredith rushed 34 times for 150 yards and a touchdown to help the Hammond Skyhawks overcome a pesky visiting Ben Lippen Falcon squad 26- 14 October 19.

The Falcons were without the services of starting quarterback Kyle Williamson, but still closed to within 19- 14 in the fourth quarter off Emmanuel Hightower's 68- yard touchdown run.

The Skyhawks put the game away with an 80- yard drive powered mostly by Meredith's legs and capped off by a one- yard touchdown run by Taylor Smith. It was his second touchdown of the night.

Hammond quarterback Cliff Ayer's completed 10 of 18 passes for 151 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Alston James caught five passes for 81 yards. Aaron Walters had three receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Stone Pinckney recorded 10 tackles and an interception. Walker Inabinet had eight tackles, forced two fumbles, and recovered a fumble.

The Falcons were lead by Hightower with 71 yards on seven carries. Back- up quarterback Joey Carter completed six of 16 passes for 58 yards with two interceptions. Rob Brigman caught four receptions for 43 yards. Gabe Smith recorded 14 tackles and Mick Shoemaker added nine.

Photos by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson Above: Hammond's Steven Harvin dives at Ben Lippen's Rob Brigman to make the tackle as Hunter McMaster looks on. Below: Hammond's Aaron Walters runs for touchdown past Ben Lippen's Mick Shoemaker.

The Skyhawks will travel to Augusta Christian on October 26 for a shot at their second straight region championship. The Falcons will conclude their regular season by hosting Orangeburg Prep.