Depleted Tigers get No. 1 Lincoln County

COMMERCE - Steve Savage wanted to find out where his No. 3-ranked Commerce Tigers team was against Morgan County last week.

He didn't get the chance as starting quarterback Josh Haynes went down on the third play of the game with a shoulder injury. The Tigers never recovered and were whipped in 35-7 loss.

"We found out how much he means to us, that's for sure," Savage said. "But the way Morgan played, I don't know if it would have been any different with Josh in there."

Savage may have to wait a couple of more weeks to get a good handle on things as the Tigers (2-1) travel to Class A No. 1-ranked Lincoln County Friday night.

"It's going to be a tough challenge for us. The only good thing is that it's not a region game so it doesn't really affect us that much other than getting our feelings hurt if we lose," he said.

The Tigers went into last week's game averaging more than 25 points a game but managed less than 200 yards of offense against Morgan County.

The loss of Haynes meant that Savage had to move running back Dennis Wilder to quarterback, depleting his depth at both positions.

The Red Devils (4-0) are rolling again averaging 38 points a game in a wide-open attack. They have also given up just 8 points all year. They beat Athens Academy 28-0 last week and have outscored their last three opponents 132-0.

"They like to throw it about 70 percent of the time so it puts a lot of pressure on a defense. We'll have to play our very best to have a chance," Savage said. "On defense, they're as quick as any team I've ever seen."

Savage said Haynes, who injured a shoulder he has broken before, will be out for the Lincoln game but should return for their Oct. 10th game against Athens Academy in their Region 8-A opener.