Football Recap: Nathaniel Weber and Kevin Tuguta Pace Hammond Defense

Zalen Bennett

Rushing Yards

10/31/25 vs Salmen	158
10/02/25 @ Slidell	152
09/12/25 @ Amite	144
10/17/25 vs Mandeville	134
09/25/25 vs L.W. Higgins	134
+ 4 more games

Hammond won the last time they faced Salmen and Zalen Bennett did his part to make sure it happened again. The Tornadoes blew past the Spartans 40-20 on Friday for which the team can thank Bennett, who rushed for 158 yards and three TDs while picking up 7.9 yards per carry. Hammond is 5-1 when Bennett posts 100 or more rushing yards, but 1-2 otherwise.

Hammond didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Nathaniel Weber and Kevin Tuguta. Tuguta has been hot, having also posted five or more total tackles the last five times he's played. Hammond got some further help from Trion Wise: he picked up 0.5 sacks and made 11 total tackles (3.0 for loss).

Hammond pushed their record up to 6-3 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 12.3 points on average over those games. As for Salmen, their loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 5-4.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Hammond will host Ponchatoula at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Salmen, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Chalmette at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Owls' defense has only allowed 14 points per game this season, so the Spartans' offense will have their work cut out for them.