On Campus: Hammond Skyhawks

A lot of teams would be happy with a 9-2 record and a loss in the state semifinals, but Hammond is not an ordinary program.   When rival Heathwood Hall knocked the Skyhawks out of the playoffs in 2025, it snapped a dominating streak in which Hammond won eight straight SCISA state titles. They have 22 championships overall and four under current coach Jon Wheeler.   It's the first time Wheeler is looking to return to the title game instead of defending a state championship.   “It's been different, but we have to pick up and prepare for the next season just like we always have,” Wheeler said. “Nothing has really changed for us. We are doing the same things and hopefully we can get things back on track.”   The strength of the team again should be the defense that allowed just seven points per game in 2025 and eight games where they allowed single digits. State champion Northwood Academy scored 23 on the Skyhawks and that was the least amount they scored on any in-state opponent by 11.   Let's look at some of the players that will stand out on defense and defense in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1603691' first='Jackson' last='Ross'] LB   The rising senior is a basketball prospect, but Power 4 offers continue to roll in for football. He has offers from South Carolina, North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech among others. He has the size to play on the FBS level, and the athleticism is not lacking. His footwork might be what sets him apart on a high school field.    [player_tooltip player_id='1550897' first='Hugh' last='Manning'] DL/DE   Manning is another physical specimen that can dominate at times. He comes off the edge quick and can more than handle his own at the line of scrimmage. He's 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and the rising senior could add weight and play more inside and not miss a beat.     [player_tooltip player_id='763831' first='John' last='Stokes'] DL   One thing Stokes brings to the table is a toughness like none other. He feels like he's the most physical player on the field every snap and that translates well for a defensive player. He can play some offensive line, but we've seen Stokes absolutely take over at times. He's quick and strong, which is a great combination to have.   [player_tooltip player_id='1608052' first='Kingston' last='Washington'] LB   We started seeing the film last year when Washington was just an eighth grader but getting reps in the varsity games. There is reason to think we will be hearing a lot more about him this coming season. He's seasoned beyond his years and plays with great leverage and instinct. We think he very well could be one of the budding stars of the 2030 Class.    [player_tooltip player_id='1816165' first='Blaze' last='Barnes'] DB   Barnes is a versatile player that will see action in a lot of different ways. He can play any position in the defensive secondary and will likely see more action at wide receiver this coming season. He's heady, plays smart and can take advantage of what he sees. His best football might be ahead of him.   Other names that will surface in the linebacker rotation will be [player_tooltip player_id='1817799' first='Owen' last='Smith'] and Leyton Lamonte among others. The defensive secondary was hit hard by graduation and transfers but that doesn't mean the talent pool is void. [player_tooltip player_id='1817533' first='Andrew' last='Dennis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1816426' first='McLean' last='Robinson'] in the mix should join Barnes and Gause to form a solid nucleus.   “We think we have some talented players on defense,” Wheeler said. “The secondary will see a lot of faces rotate in and out, but we have guys back there that have contributed.”   [player_tooltip player_id='1647349' first='Cade' last='Amell'] QB   The freshman split time at quarterback last year and unless something unexpected occurs, he should be the full-time signal caller in 2026. He can make all the throws and after a season of seeing plenty of reps, his game could easily elevate his game to another level. The Skyhawks must figure out the running back room and wide receiver rotation, but Amell will be a good place to start.   [player_tooltip player_id='1675203' first='Asher' last='Gause'] ATH   Gause could see himself sliding into the No. 1 option at receiver. He has all the physical tools and got plenty of playing time as a sophomore. He's also going to play defensive back and might end up being one of the most versatile players on the team    [player_tooltip player_id='1817784' first='Joel' last='Starks'] OL   Starks (pictured above) will team with [player_tooltip player_id='1816439' first='Walker' last='Cason'] to provide experience and leadership from the offensive line position. Both players are seasoned veterans that can control the line of scrimmage at times. Hammond sputtered on offense at times but with the pieces coming back and Starks and Cason leading the way, it could be a solid starting point.   [player_tooltip player_id='1820505' first='Wham' last='Walker'] TE/DB   Walker is another versatile performer that can play multiple positions. We like him at tight end where his 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame can be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He has great hands and can even line up tight and provide an extra blocker in the running game.

A lot of teams would be happy with a 9-2 record and a loss in the state semifinals, but Hammond is not an ordinary program.