When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: After a loss to River Hill in Week One, Hammond has rattled off nine straight wins, including back-to-back victories on last second plays. The Bears are back in the playoffs for the first time in 25 years. The Bulldogs returns to the playoffs after a three-year absence.
Southern is coming off of a 30-19 upset win over then-No. 2 Arundel, handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season. In the game, RB Davonte Burke ran for 168 rushing yards and two scores. Dylan Rawlings added 137 yards on the ground and DB Andrew Harris picked off two passes, returning one to the house.
Hammond has found a way to pull out the close games all season, including a 17-12 win over Howard last week to clinch a share of the Howard County title. RB Devon Paye carried the ball 22 times for 138 yards and a touchdown. QB Josh Waley completed just one pass but it was a big one to RB Dionte Jones for a 73-yard score.
The winner of this game will square off with top-seeded McDonough or Frederick Douglass (Prince George’s) in next week’s Class 2A South Regional final.
