Football 2014: Brown believes Commerce is back on the rise

COMMERCE -- Coming into last season, new Commerce coach Michael Brown wasn't sure what to expect -- for himself or his Tigers.<br /> <br /> But after just one year, one winning season, and a trip to the playoffs, Brown said he is ready to put Commerce back on the football map.<br /> <br /> "There has always been a good tradition here and over the past few years our numbers went down and there has been a lot of change. I had to get a year under me to see what I needed to do and what needed to be done to get us back to being one of the top teams in the area," Brown said. "We're all ready to go this year to try and make that happen."<br /> <br /> The Tigers return nine starters to a defense that allowed 23 points per game in 2013 but only gave up more than 28 just twice. Seniors Derek Benoit (DL), Tyreke Wiggins (LB), Jesse Underhile (LB), and K.J. Jones (Saf) lead what should be a very solid group.<br /> <br /> "Our defense, and especially the line, has a ton of experience coming back. It should be the strength of the team as long as everyone stays healthy," Brown said.<br /> <br /> Offensively, just four starters remain, but their triple option attack will be manned by returnees Caleb Brooks (Jr., QB), Cole Chancey (So., running back), and junior receiver J'varius Wood. Senior Grant Mayberry and sophomore Will Thomas will give the Tigers a potent backfield.<br /> <br /> "We have four or five guys that can really carry the ball and we'll rotate guys. We want to control the ball and control the clock," Brown said. "If we can do that, it will also give our defense a rest and then they can be more aggressive."<br /> <br /> The key for the Tigers will be a quick start to the season. With three of their top Class A rivals in the top half of the schedule, not to mention arch-rival Jefferson, now in Class AAA, wins early could be crucial to getting into the top 16 of the power rankings at the end of the season.<br /> <br /> "The meat of our schedule is at the beginning and Athens Academy, Athens Christian, Prince Avenue will be critical games for the power rankings so we need to start the year strong and build some confidence," Brown said. "Our goal always is just to get better every day. If we do that, the other things will take care of themselves. But this year we need to try and be as good as we can be from the opening week."