Commerce grinds out win at Pinecrest

CUMMING -- Commerce churned out 332 yards rushing to help push past Pinecrest Academy 24-14 on Friday in Cumming.

The Tigers (7-3, 5-1 Region 8-A) held Pinecrest to just 151 yards total -- though the Paladins took a 7-0 first quarter lead.

Commerce fought back with two second quarter touchdown runs from quarterback Caleb Brooks, who rushed for 14 and 30 yards to put the Tigers ahead for good.

Nahum Mendoza added a 31-yard field goal for Commerce in the third quarter, while Drew Whitfield added a five-yard scoring run.

Whitfield finished with 90 yards on 18 carries, while Brooks added 88 yards on 17 carries.

The Tigers also set a school record on one drive during the night, putting together a 26-play, 80-yard drive that also included a record 12:27 of possession during the drive.

Whitfield and Chance McClure each recorded nine tackles.

Commerce awaits the GHSA power ratings to see which postseason seed they will receive for the Class A public playoffs, which begin Nov. 22.