By Billy Liguori

Sports Editor

Image Source: Instagram

After almost two years of modified games and practices, Hammond football has returned to normal for the 2021-2022 fall season.

Hammond football ended the regular season with a record of 1-8. They started their season on the road, with a bit of a rocky start, as they were defeated by Glenelg High School. The Bears put up a score of 14, trailing the Gladiators who scored 35.

Eager to play their next game, Hammond quickly turned it around. For game 2, the Bears were back at home, competing against Centennial High School. With great performances from starting quarterback Jordan Campbell and running back (RB) Nathaniel Lamb, Hammond was able to take down the Eagles 26-7. 

With a little over 300 rushing yards, RB Nathaniel Lamb was able to march the Bears down the field, allowing the team to outscore and outplay their opponent. Jordan Campbell was asked to elaborate on the game and  share a few words on the team. 

“I am really liking the chemistry that we have already built within the team, and I am excited for what is to come for the rest of the year,”  Campbell said.

The following week, the Bears then hosted Oakland Mills High School. Coming off a win at home, the Bears had a goal to protect their house and defend their latest victory. Unfortunately, Hammond fell to the Scorpions with a score of 42-20. 

The Bears then hit the road for the next two games, where they started at Wilde Lake High School. Soon after, they went on to play The Atholton Raiders. While getting defeated by both Wilde Lake (28-0), and the Raiders ( 30-15), Hammond brushed off the losses. The Bears could already sniff their future in anticipation for the Homecoming game!

On Homecoming Saturday, the Bears introduced the Reservoir Gators to Bear Country. Hammond made it a point to give all they could offer and leave everything on the field, no matter the outcome. This intense game was back and forth for all four quarters, making it very interesting for the fans. Hammond was up for most of the game, down a few, and at one point, even tied. 

However, the end result was not what they were hoping for. Hammond fell to the Gators in a heartfelt loss, 21-20. Hammond Offensive Tackle, Austin Stewart, had a few words to say on not only the game, but the postseason as well, commenting , “We fought hard the whole game, but they just got us. I will say, the game is a whole lot different in the postseason, so watch out for us. We’re coming!”

In Hammond’s last home game of the season, they faced Howard High School. In yet another nail biter, Hammond showed their grittiness and drive to win, playing with their hearts and playing together. With a loss to the Lions 17-14, Hammond is putting together tough games for their opponents, proving resilience in their team chemistry. 

For the last game of the regular season, Hammond hit the road again, visiting the River Hill High School Hawks. The Bears fell 14-0 against the Hawks, but put up a good fight through the entirety of the game. 

To wrap up the regular season, the Bears headed to Middletown for the first round of playoffs. Unfortunately, they fell to Middletown 48-12, ending the 2021 Hammond football season with an overall record of 1-7 in conference play, and 1-8 overall. 

The Bears plan to bounce back next year and make the best out of the 2022 season.