Thomas leads Commerce to first playoff win since '09

COMMERCE -- Will Thomas rushed for 162 yards and four touchdowns to lead Commerce to a 37-7 win over Clinch County Friday in the opening round of the Class A Public playoffs.<br /> <br /> It was the Tigers (9-2) first playoff victory since beating Landmark Christian in 2009. They next will play host to Calhoun County, which knocked off the No. 3 seed Mitchell County, 28-14, next week in the quarterfinals.<br /> <br /> It was a battle of ground attacks as Commerce piled up 278 yards rushing while Clinch County (6-5) pounded out 223 yards on the ground. but the Tigers defense stopped the Panthers twice inside the Red Zone and took advantage of several Clinch County miscues.<br /> <br /> It was a close game midway through the second quarter with Commerce holding just a 3-0 lead on a 36-yard first quarter field goal by Andres Salgado. The Tigers pushed their lead to 10-0 on a 7-yard score by Thomas, the first of three TD runs in the second quarter.<br /> <br /> The Panthers cut the lead to 10-7 later on a 7-yard run touchdown run by Octavious Johnson. Commerce answered right back.<br /> <br /> Grant Mayberry returned the ensuing kickoff 51-yard to the Panthers 20 and then Thomas scored on the next play for a 17-7 lead. Thomas added his third score late in the second quarter on a 38-yard run for a 24-7 halftime lead.<br /> <br /> Caleb Brooks would score on a 1-yard run in the third quarter and then Thomas capped the scoring on a 7-yard run in the fourth quarter.<br /> <br /> Cole Chancey finished with 87 yards rushing for the Tigers.<br /> <br /> Jesse Underhile had 13 tackles on defense for Commerce.