It started in week one with a competitive outing against River Hill, Howard County’s super power of the last five years. Once woeful Hammond took another big step forward in week two with an upset of Atholton and the Bears continued their rise, Friday, with a stunning 14-6 win over Wilde Lake, yet another perennial league power.
The Bears’ rise has been accentuated by outstanding defense and defense was at the root of Friday’s victory.
With the game tied at six with less than two minutes to play, Hammond’s Rasheed Lashley forced a fumble inside the Wilde Lake 10 yard line and sophomore Dionte Jones recovered it to set up the game-winning touchdown.
Jones followed with a six yard TD run and also added a two point conversion.
Wilde Lake took a 6-0 lead in the second quarter when Khalil Viera scampered 18 yards for a score, but the Wildecats missed the extra point attempt. Josh Whaley tied the game for Hammond with a one-yard scoring burst in the third quarter, but the Bears also missed an extra point try, keeping the contest deadlocked.
Overtime seemed likely when the Bears pinned Wilde Lake inside its own five with a punt, prior to the decisive turnover. Hammond forced one more turnover following their final kickoff and the Bears’ offense took a knee to complete the victory.
Hammond 14, Wilde Lake 6
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| Hammond | 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 14 |
| Wilde Lake | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
2nd Q
WL-Vierra 18 run (kick blocked)
3rd Q
HAM-Whaley 1 run (kick fialed)
4th Q
HAM-Jones 6 run (Jones run)
