All things Armwood

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published December 9, 2005

Each Monday during the season, the Armwood player (or players) who had the biggest hit in the previous week's game is presented with "The Hammer." The recipients carry a sledgehammer, which has the jersey number of each winner engraved into it, to and from practice that day. Linebacker Doc Rivers, arguably the Hawks' most underrated player, has been honored a team-high nine times this fall.

Armwood's Mat Brevi is a sure-handed receiver capable of breaking one on any given play (he caught four passes for 50 yards in last week's win over Miami Washington). But his biggest presence might be felt on returns. When Armwood has needed a special teams spark this season, more often than no t Brevi has provided it.

Case in point:

Moments after a Washington touchdown gave the Tornadoes a 14-8 second-quarter lead a week ago, Brevi promptly returned the Washington kickoff 55 yards to set up an Armwood score.

"I'm 100 percent (on returns)," Brevi said. "I just run full speed. And I concentrate more when the team really needs a play."

One of the best parts about reaching the final for players is they get to play in college and pro stadiums. Armwood's past two appearances were at Florida Field in Gainesville, home of the Florida Gators. This time, they're headed to Dolphins Stadium, a place players such as Ricky Williams and Junior Seau call home.

"The very first time (at Florida Field), I was like, "Wow,' " Hawks linebacker Walter Radny said.

A pep rally scheduled for Thursday was canceled because Hawks coach Sean Callahan had to attend a banquet. There will, however, be a sendoff for the team at 9:30 this morning at the school.

[Last modified December 9, 2005, 01:19:17]