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In its final performance of the season, Hammonton finally looked like Hammonton.
A season filled with frustration and disappointment came to a close a week ago, as Hammonton High School’s football team destroyed an overmatched Highland squad 51-0.
The victory was the only one the Blue Devils had in what was possibly their worst season in more than 50 years.
Gone were the mistakes that had plagued the team from its first game against Oakcrest in late August until its next to last matchup with Shawnee in late October.
There were no turnovers. No dumb penalties. No 12-yard losses on plays that should have been long gains.
There were no missed assignments, no breakdowns in the secondary, surrendering long touchdown runs or passes to an opponent that was easily defeated.
To the casual fan, last week’s win against a 1-9 Highland team that had suffered through an equally poor season was, “So what? The Devils should have won that game.”
Yes, they should have won, but in a season filled with underwhelming performances, taking care of business against a lesser opponent was the high point of the fall.
Hammonton played well in the trenches. Instead of being blown off the ball, the Blue Devils opened running lanes and put pressure on Highland’s quarterback.
Senior Christian Medina spent much of the night in the Tartans backfield, recording a sack and forcing several poor throws.
An offensive line that had turned in several poor games this year looked like the unit that was supposed to have anchored a strong season for Hammonton.
Finally given some room to run, senior running back DeAndre Clemons looked like a superstar, rushing for 122 yards and scoring six touchdowns, including one on a 65-yard kickoff return.
The Blue Devils threw the ball well, too.
Playing with time to find receivers, Shane Way was able to move the ball downfield and extend drive that eventually ended in scores.
Playing with a lead for just the second time this season, Hammonton’s confidence built with every possession.
This was a team that could have quit on its season, but coach Jim Raso said the Blue Devils instead had one of their best weeks of practice preparing for last week’s season finale.
Despite all the losing, Hammonton’s players never stopped working.
“As a staff, there wasn't a day where we did not want to come out and be around these guys.
We had good practices. We just weren't doing it on game nights. It wasn't a case of where these guys were coming, not giving an effort. They showed up every day. They practice hard every day. You know, we weren't good enough to beat those teams,” Raso said.
“They were there to work every day and to get better,” he said.
Hammonton’s coach added that the adversity was a strong lesson for his players.
“That's what life's all about. You're not going to get your way in life. You know it, I know it.
And this will this will help them later on down the road,” Raso said.
It was a tough season for the Blue Devils but they hung together and ended on a positive, something to build on for next fall.
Dan Russoman is the news/sports director of The Gazette. Follow Russoman on X @DanRussoman.
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