2024 Media Day: Hammond Tornadoes (Hammond,LA)

Coming off a week two win over Amite, the Tornadoes look to continue their success this week. After going only 5-5 last season, the Tornadoes look to turn things around this year and make it back to the playoffs. The head coach is excited to get out on the field and watch his team play. They have been working hard over the summer. The Coach of the Hammond Tornadoes came to talk with us about his goals and plans for this upcoming season.

we’ve just been grinding, you know, all summer long, all spring. I feet like we’re further along the ahead right now right now than last year. So that’s a great thing

Head Coach Dorsett Buckles

Coach Buckles is impressed with his team this year. The kids on the team have brought in another level of leadership to the team. they hold each other accountable and hold themselves to a high standard. It was something that the team desperately needed but now that they have it Coach Buckles is really excited. When asked about some key players he has a few that he mentioned. Terin Jones and Dakota McAlisteris are both sophomores and the QB this year. They have a few guys on the team with some offers, Darius Servick is a senior defensive tackle and he has eight offers, and Kenyatta Fleet who is also a senior. He plays defensive back and wide receiver and he has around 10 offers. When asked about his offensive and defensive scheme this is what Coach Buckles had to say.

We’re gonna be a spread team but of course run first you know but we’re gonna be physical you know we’re gonna be physical We’re gonna be disciplined, you know, so that’s what we live for to be being Defensively four two five.

Head Coach Dorsett Buckles.

(Photo Taken By Andy Bryson)

Coach Buckles had nothing but great things to say about the Hammond community and the school. The way the community rallies around the team and wants them to succeed pushes the team to do better. It is an electric atmosphere and it’s a family environment and that’s important. When asked what game Coach Buckles is most excited about he picked Amite and Ponchatoula. Coach Buckles Brought in a few young stars from his team to interview.

stepping up, you know, we have Reginald “Donut” Monroe, we have Evan Davis, who’s is an O-lineman, and we have, Arnell Garner Jr., first year starting, but last year he did get some playing time you know so man I’m excited about those guys man they’re doing a phenomenal job.

Evan Davis is a senior defensive end. He is 6’1″ and 250lbs and with all that has a pretty impressive 40 time coming in at 4.8. Evan had high praise for his team when asked about the message around the locker room and it was to be great and go out and get it. He had some great things about the development of his team this year. The thing that stands out about this player is his leadership skills, the way he commands the defense is important, and just his overall confidence in himself to make a play. He is looking to find a good school to commit too and to have a great year this year and win state.

I Feel like we got one of the best teams in 5A right now. I Feel like we’re going to go get that ring. 

Hammond D-end Evan Davis

(Photo Taken By Andy Bryson)

Arnell Garner Jr is a 5’9″ 150lbs defensive back and he is a junior. He has a 40-yard time of 4.61 and a 100-yard time of 11.43. He is a big-time playmaker. He will give you 100% on every play and will never give up on a play. When asked about his teammates with him he had some great things to share. Arnell is really excited for the upcoming season and is expecting to have a breakout year and for the Tornadoes to be back in the playoffs.

Man, you run into Even man you better be ready to enter pancake city. Donut, he’s shifty I’ll tell you that. The first person will never tackle him.

Hammond D-end Arnnell Garner Jr

(Photo Taken By Andy Bryson)

Reginald Monroe better known as “donut” is 5’6″ 145lbs sophomore running back for the Tornadoes. He is a great teammate to have, he is always looking out for his team and trying to push them to be better. He makes sure that none of his teammates are slacking off and just holding each other accountable. Reginald has some high standards for this year as a sophomore, he’s looking to get 300 yards this year. The games he is most excited about are St.Paul, Ponchatoula, and Covington.

(Photo Taken By Andy Bryson)

The Tornadoes look to continue their success this weekend and continue to march their way to playoffs.

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