Central finds emerging threat

Hykeem Hammonds showed his speed last spring in helping Central break the school's 400-meter relay record during the track and field season.

Hammonds now has found another place to use his speed, as the junior has emerged as Central's top running back. Through the Tigers' first two games, Hammonds has rushed for 172 yards on 27 carries, an average of 6.4 yards a carry.

Central coach Lawrence Brookins said Hammonds has surprised the coaching staff and probably himself by his strong play.

"I think he's been inspired by what's taken place," Brookins said. "He might even have surprised himself."

At just 5 feet, 6 inches and 143 pounds, Hammonds is dwarfed on the field by opposing lines. But he showed against St. Charles West there is more to running than size, racking up 118 yards and two scores in a 24-14 loss.

"I try to use my speed," Hammonds said. "I don't have that much size, so I try to use my track speed."

Added Brookins: "He's small in size but big otherwise."

The Tigers will to try to break into the win column tonight at Houck Stadium against Blytheville (Ark.). The game, Central's lone Friday home game, will have a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Central is off to an 0-2 start for the second straight season using a fairly untested group of starters. Hammonds is among that group, having played sparingly last season as a sophomore.

"Offensively, we've improved a lot," Hammonds said. "Defensively, we've struggled a little bit, but we're working on it."

Central nearly matched St. Charles West drive for drive last week. The Tigers actually led in the fourth quarter, a big difference from a 42-0 loss at Eureka in the opening week.

"I saw improvement," Brookins said. "I saw improvement in a number of areas. I saw improvement in a number of individual athletes. That's what made it even more disappointing to not win, because we saw some good things."

Last week's performance could go a long way in solidifying Hammonds as an offensive threat for the Tigers. Outside of Hammonds, Central's next leading rusher through two games is Ty Craft with just 14 yards.

Brookins said with the help of coach Derek Smith, the school's former athletic director who coaches all the backs, Hammonds has a better feel for what he needs to do.

"I think Hykeem is listening to what he's been taught and is applying those things in 11-on-11 situations," Brookins said.

With success in the running game, the Tigers can open things up for their passing game. Central sophomore quarterback Garrett Stevens has completed 26 of 49 passes for 324 yards, but has zero touchdowns to five interceptions.

"The running game helps so much," Stevens said. "It really puts a defense in a bind when you have to respect both those things."

The Central coaching staff has been pleased with is the play of the special teams. Central has done well in the field position battle with Andy Billmeyer at punter and Hammonds and Derien Downing returning kicks. Tyler McNabb, a former soccer player, has taken over on kickoffs.

"The special teams play has been encouraging," Brookins said. "For us, you can really use that as an advantage."

The Tigers' opponent this week, Blytheville, also sports a relatively young squad. Blytheville is coming off a 46-14 rout of Poplar Bluff. In the win, the Chickasaws debuted the Wing-T formation offense at the varsity level. The team changed offenses after struggling in an opening loss.

Brookins said Blytheville's switch likely suits the personnel they have better, and he expects them to present quite a challenge.

"It really forces you as a defensive player, no matter what position you play, to read your key," he said.

Blytheville was another team which had its way against the Tigers last season, winning 49-20. Central's improvement from its opener until now, though, should give the Tigers some optimism heading into tonight's home opener.

"Everyone's pretty positive," Hammonds said.