Commerce thrilled to add another chapter to Tigers legacy (VIDEO)

Posted 4:12PM on Thursday, December 4, 2014

COMMERCE -- KJ Jones vividly remembers the last time Commerce football reached the state semifinals. He was sitting in the stands as a spectator, an elementary school student pining for the day he too could lead the Tigers to playoff glory. For Jones, and all of Commerce's seniors, that day has arrived -- and it is just as exciting as they'd hoped. "It's a dream come true," said Jones, a defensive back/running back that will be a key member of the Tigers squad when they travel to Ocilla on Friday to battle Irwin County in the Class A Public final four -- where a victory would net Commerce's first state championship game berth in 14 years. "When I came in as a freshman I loved football, and had fun, but it wasn't like this, Jones added. "This year is life-changing." (NOTE: To watch a video feature about Commerce's postseason run, click "play" in the box to the right.) Thanks to an opportunistic defense, a ground-and-pound offense and solid special teams play, the Tigers (10-2) have soared into the semifinals for the first time in eight years. And while no one part of their play or one player has dominated this season, Commerce believes it is a never-say-die attitude that is making the difference in 2014. "We don't have the most talent, but we've got heart," Tigers senior defensive end Derek Benoit said. "Everybody we play is bigger, faster, but we play with heart. That's what's got us here." "We've just got a group of guys that want to win, get after it and play for each other," Jones added. Coach Michael Brown said that he and his staff had no question about that desire coming into the campaign -- they saw it all offseason -- but they were by no means certain that a postseason run was guaranteed. "We saw the commitment from the kids in the summer, and we knew we had potential to be better in backfield, but we had a young offensive line -- just one starter back," Brown said. "Defensively we had chance to be OK... But you just never know about team chemistry. This season has been a process, and the kids have gotten better each week." Indeed, the Tigers soared through much of the regular season -- their only losses coming against eventual Class AAA quarterfinalist Jefferson and Class A Private quarterfinalist Prince Avenue Christian. Along the way, Commerce flashed plenty of that desire, winning three games by seven points or less -- a factor that helped build confidence and self-belief. "We've had several games this season that could have gone the other way, and our kids have found ways to win, beginning with Banks County (a season-opening 28-21 win)," Brown said. That has now extended to the playoffs, where Commerce stormed through the first round, 37-7, over Clinch County, before shutting down Calhoun County 10-0 in the quarterfinals. The Tigers defense shone in both contests -- forcing four turnovers in round one and stonewalling Calhoun County in the quarterfinals, allowing just 111 yards (the Cougars crossed midfield just once). "The biggest thing is they're playing with great effort," Brown said. "That's something we preach: try to get seven-eight guys to the ball and gang tackle. We've done that, and it's something that's gotten better each week." The Tigers know they must arrive at the ball en masse -- and with a bad attitude -- if they are going to find a way past semifinal foe Irwin County. The Indians (10-1-1) are back in the final four for a second straight season and have dominated in the playoffs so far this campaign. "Irwin and Marion County were the two teams at the beginning of the year that everybody said they have a shot to win it," Brown said. "Irwin County is very well coached. They're talented. They've got size and speed. They don't beat themselves, don't turn the ball over, and they don't have any senseless penalties. To have a chance we'll have to play with greatest effort of the year, but we also have to execute in all three phases of the game." The Commerce defense -- and offense -- will certainly be aware of Indians running back/defensive back Jakyron Young. The two-way standout ran for 74 yards, scored two touchdowns and had an interception in a 40-29 quarterfinal victory over Dooly County. On the season, Young has rushed for 1,314 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. He's also made 44 tackles, five for losses, and blocked a kick. Meanwhile, fullback Robert Moore has 1,344 yards rushing this season. "They're the best team we've played this year," Benoit said. "They come off the ball hard -- but I think we're up for the challenge." It's something Commerce has proven time and again, and after already making history, the Tigers are keen to go a step further and reach the Georgia Dome. "Something we've talked about a lot the last couple of years is adding to the tradition that's here," said Brown, himself a Commerce grad and a coach at the school since 1999 before taking over as head coach last season. "We've talked with these kids about leaving their mark. Being a local guy you feel a responsibility to line up a team every Friday night that earns the name Commerce, so it means a lot to me and for coaches." Certainly it means a lot to the players as well. "We made a commitment to each other that we're never going to give up on any game, no matter the score," Benoit said. "Doing this for Commerce football means a lot." You can bet the next generation of Tigers -- the kids now sitting in the bleachers feel the same way. COMMERCE at IRWIN COUNTY -- WHAT: Class A Public football semifinal -- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday -- WHERE: Indian Field, Ocilla -- COMMERCE (10-2): Defeated Calhoun County 10-0 in the quarterfinal round. -- IRWIN COUNTY (10-1-1): Defeated Dooly County 40-29 in the quarterfinal round. -- HISTORY: This is the two teams' first meeting. -- WINNER PLAYS: Marion County vs. Hawkinsville winner at 1 p.m. Dec. 13 in Class A Public championship game at Georgia Dome in Atlanta

Commerce thrilled to add another chapter to Tigers legacy <b>(VIDEO)</b>