Football Recap: Zalen Bennett Key Part of Team Effort in Tornadoes Win

Hammond took a 22-point loss the last time they faced off against Mandeville, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Tornadoes narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past the Skippers 20-17. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Tornadoes have posted against the Skippers since October 19, 2018.

Zalen Bennett

Rushing Yards

10/02/25 @ Slidell	152
09/12/25 @ Amite	144
10/17/25 vs Mandeville	134
09/25/25 vs L.W. Higgins	134
10/10/25 @ St. Paul's	98
+ 2 more games

Hammond's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Zalen Bennett led the charge by rushing for 134 yards and one touchdown. Bennett is becoming a predictor of the Tornadoes' success: when he posts at least 100 rushing yards the team is undefeated (and 1-2 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Terin Jones, who rushed for 31 yards and a pair of TDs.

Although Mandeville took the loss, they still got scores from Will Estep and Jax O'Quin.

Hammond's win bumped their record up to 5-2. As for Mandeville, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-3.

Hammond wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next game, a 25-14 loss against Covington on the 24th. As for Mandeville, they have also already played their next matchup, a 27-0 victory against Ponchatoula on the 24th.