Avalon Limo Drive of the Game: Hammonton set tone vs. EHT by driving 90 yards late in first half

Normally, the Avalon Limousine Drive of the Game results in points that turn the tide toward the winning team. But, occasionally, a drive that doesn’t produce points can be just as important.
Late in the first half on Friday night, with Hammonton holding a 14-3 lead over host Egg Harbor Township, the Blue Devils forced the Eagles to punt and took over at their own 5-yard line after another impressive punt by EHT’s Christian Ireland. It was the second time in the half Ireland had pinned the Blue Devils inside their own 5. With a defensive stop, EHT could get the ball back with good field position and about three minutes left to try to slice into Hammonton’s lead.
But the Blue Devils proceeded to march 90 yards, and although the drive ultimately ended with a turnover at EHT’s 5-yard line, it chewed up the remaining time in the second quarter and set the tone for what would be a dominating second half by Hammonton.
Sophomore quarterback Christian Weissman, making his first start, showed a lot of poise in the pocket during the drive. With Hammonton facing third-and-6 at the 14, Weissman made a nice ball fake and took off around the right side, gaining 17 yards to not only give Hammonton some breathing room, but also keep the drive going.
Consecutive runs by Kevin Vandever and David Obeng brought the ball out to the 41, and after a holding call, Weissman gained 12 yards to bring the ball out to the 48. After picking up another first down, Weissman connected with Victor Solis-Mays on a pass play that brought the ball to the EHT 29-yard line. Weissman, who finished with 81 yards passing, hooked up with Solis-Mays again a few plays later to get the ball to the 10.
Hammonton gave the ball up on a fumble at the 5-yard line, but by that time there were less than 30 seconds left in the half.
The Blue Devils scored on their opening drive of the third quarter to push the lead to 21-3, then added another touchdown early in the fourth to go ahead 28-3 in an eventual 42-3 victory. The win helped the Blue Devils even their record at 4-4.