Athens Academy holds off Commerce

ATHENS - Third-ranked Athens Academy scored late in the fourth quarter to pull out a 19-13 win over visiting Commerce on Friday night in Athens.

The Spartans used a 35-yard pass from Will Daniel to William Harris to break a 13-13 deadlock and send the Tigers to their first Region 8-A loss of the season.

Commerce (1-4, 0-1 Region 8-A) stayed stride-for-stride with Athens Academy throughout the contest, as Deon Orsborne and Phillip Edwards gashed the Spartans defense. Orsborne finished with 166 yards rushing -- including a 72-yard scoring run, while Edwards added 80 yards on the ground.

Yet the Tigers managed nothing through the air, while Athens Academy finished with 169 yards rushing and 161 yards rushing. Harris keyed the Spartans offense, scoring all three touchdowns -- two rushing and one receiving.

Commerce place kicker Cameron Billings kept the Tigers close early, booting a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 22-yard kick in the second quarter, as the Tigers trailed 13-6 at the half.

After a scoreless third quarter, Orsborne took off on his 72-yard scoring run to knot the score at 13-13.

But Athens Academy answered right back, marching 61 yards in five plays to score the winning touchdown.

Commerce plays host to Athens Christian next Friday in Commerce.