DACULA — Commerce knew its trip to Hebron Christian Academy would require perhaps its best effort of 2018 to date.
The Tigers answered the bell, holding on for a 21-18 win over the Lions in a key subregion battle in Region 8-A North.
Commerce fought back from a second quarter deficit and recovered an onside kick in the fourth quarter to ensure the victory, as Hebron suffered its first subregion defeat of the campaign.
DaJuan Wood scored two touchdowns for the Tigers (7-0, 3-0 Region 8-AN), while Caleb Mason added a score, an interception on defense and the onside kick recovery to keep Hebron at bay after the Lions scored and converted a 2-point pass play to pull within a field goal in the waning moments.
Wood got things going with a 23-yard touchown run for a 7-0 second quarter lead. But Hebron answered with a 22-yard field goal and then took a 10-7 lead on a 1-yard touchdown run from Colt Gauthier to cap a 62-yard drive.
The Tigers refused to panic, however, and regained the lead for good with 2:21 remaining in the half on a 1-yard plunge from Mason.
Mason picked off a Hebron pass in the third quarter to set up Wood's second score, an 18-yard run that made it 21-10.
The Tigers could not put the game out of reach, however, and the Lions capped a 8-play, 71-yard drive to pull within 21-18 on Gauthier's 6-yard scoring pass to Logan Johnson -- the duo also hooked up for a 2-point conversion.
The Lions could not get the ball back, however, thanks to Mason's sure hands on the kickoff.
Dylan Deaton finished with 99 yards rushing on 12 carries to pace the Tigers, while Wood added 56 on three carries.
Commerce will travel to Towns County next week.
