The sixth and seventh grade football teams from Hammond Creek Middle School and the eighth grade team from Dalton Junior High recently finished up a successful 2023 campaign.
The sixth grade team was crowned the Georgia Middle School Athletic Association state champions in the sixth grade division. The seventh graders finished in third place in their division, falling to eventual champion Lassiter, while the eighth graders took a runner-up finish, falling to North Paulding in the state championship game.
The sixth grade team scored wins over Lassiter, Harrison, Rome, Walton, Campbell, South Cobb and Creekview on their march to the state title.
In the state championship game on Nov. 18, Hammond Creek Middle defeated Harrison 14-6 to claim the state championship.
“The team had one goal in mind, a state championship,” said Jeff Gazaway, the head coach of the sixth grade team. “They were determined and focused to make this happen for the Hammond Creek family. This could not have happened without the dedication of the coaches, the support of our administration, parents and cheerleaders. I would like to thank (Hammond Creek principal Lauri) Johnson, coach (Frank) Pinson and coach (George) Woods for giving me the opportunity to be the head coach of this talented team.”
Woods, the middle school football director, coached the seventh and eighth grade teams.
“I knew in July with all of the pieces they had and once everything clicked, this sixth grade team was special. GMSAA is the largest middle school football league in the state. This is our third year in GMSAA. (The) sixth grade (program) has one quarterfinal team, one state runner-up and in year three we won a state championship. Thankful for all the hard work from our sixth grade head coach Jeff Gazaway, his staff, players, parents, cheer and band.”