BUENA VISTA — The road keeps on getting longer -- and Commerce football is enjoying every second of the ride.
One week after trekking almost 300 miles to pull off a playoff win, the Tigers added a state quarterfinal win over Marion County, this time traveling almost 200 miles for a 20-7 victory.
The win pushed Commerce back into the Class A Public semifinals for a second straight season.
Commerce (9-3) showed no ill effects of the road trip again this week, jumping out to a 10-0 first half lead and scoring all 20 points before Marion County finally scored with less than two minutes to play.
Will Thomas and Caleb Brooks provided the touchdowns for the Tigers. Thomas' 1-yard run in the second quarter was set up by an interception by defensive end Chase Forrester at the Marion County 33-yard line.
Meanwhile, Brooks' 1-yard third quarter plunge followed a fake punt play from the hosts that Commerce stonewalled.
Andres Salgado also provided two field goals for Commerce, connecting on kicks of 30 and 33 yards in the first and fourth quarters.
Thanks to their latest win, the Tigers' playoff road will necessitate another long voyage. Next Friday Commerce will travel to Clinch County -- a distance of 263 miles -- looking for a spot in the Georgia Dome.
