Saturday July 5th, 2025 5:22AM

Commerce looks to avoid upset against Bremen

By By Jeff Hart
COMMERCE - There was not one single upset in the Class A football playoffs last week.

Commerce coach Steve Savage doesn't want his team to be the first victim as they prepare to play host to Bremen Friday night in the second round of the playoffs.

"Anyone can beat you when you get to the playoffs so you can't take anyone lightly," Savage said.

The Tigers (9-2) took care of business last week in a 42-21 win over Whitefield Academy. They face a similar situation where they are heavily favored over the Blue Devils (8-3).

Bremen has won three straight and seven of its last eight overall since a 1-2 start. The Blue Devils have scored 20 or more points in seven straight games and defensively have pitched two shutouts in their last three games. They beat Warren County 35-0 last week.

"They're a good football team and they do some good things on offense. The key will be for us to keep their offense off the field," Savage said.

But Commerce has won seven straight and is averaging 38.7 points a game during that span and giving up just 15 points a game.

The Tigers offense is potent behind quarterback Josh Haynes (96 carries, 591 yards, 13 TDs) running back Dennis Wilder (198-1,516-16 TDs) and fullback David Bray (52-493-5 TDs).

"I think we'll be able to move the ball and score some points. If we just concentrate on what we do well and execute, I think we'll be alright," Savage said. "Josh and Dennis have just been playing outstanding the last couple of weeks."

A win for the Tigers would move them into the quarterfinal round for the third straight year. Friday's winner will get the winner of the Hawkinsville-Miller County game.

Commerce fell to state runner-up Dooley County last year in the quarterfinals. Savage said they aren't looking past this week, but their goal is improve on last year.

"That's our goal every year. We want to finish the year winning the last game of the year," he said.
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