Hammond powers Dragons to win

The junior running back scores 5 touchdowns and runs for more than 200 yards in the 7-AA contest.

The Pepperell Dragons talk about taking it one game at a time as they stay in the race for the Region 7-AA title. But their speed on the field reveals their true nature.

Playing at a breakneck pace against Dade County on Friday, Pepperell used quick possessions and the performance of running back Tae Hammond to roll up a 49-7 win over the visiting Wolverines.

The Dragons have now won five games in a row — all against region opponents — and remain atop the 7-AA standings.

The night belonged to Hammond as the junior finished with 20 carries for 226 yards and five touchdowns.

“All week coach has preached to us about coming in and winning this game and keep going,” Hammond said. “I just had the mentality of ‘can’t nobody stop me.’ As long as I keep that mentality I feel like I’m unstoppable.”

After stopping Dade on the first possession of the game, the Dragons turned to Hammond and his partner in the backfield, Jake Ross. Ross ran for 22 yards on the second play of the drive, and Hammond followed that with a 33-yard run to get down to the Wolverine 4.

Quarterback Tyler White pushed his way over the goal line two plays later just over four minutes into the game. The fast and furious series served as a precursor for what was to come.

“My biggest concern was a letdown after the last two games being such emotional highs against really tough opponents,” Pepperell head coach Rick Hurst said.

The Dragons (6-1, 5-0 Region 7-AA) had come from behind wins over Model and Rockmart before hosting Dade County.

WIN Jeremy Stewart / RN-T

Pepperell’s Tae Hammond turns upfield for a gain against Dade County on Friday.