Commerce holds Athens Academy at the 1 to nab victory

COMMERCE -- Commerce watched their lead slipping away -- until KJ Jones and the Tigers defense stepped to the fore.<br /> <br /> In the end, Jones' 90-yard interception return and a determined Commerce defense combined to leave Athens Academy stranded on the Tigers' 1-yard line as time ran out in a 27-20 Commerce victory on Friday in Commerce.<br /> <br /> The Tigers (3-1, 2-0 Region 8-A) sprinted to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, as Cole Chancey and Caleb Brooks took turns scoring. But Athens Academy, led by Drew Richardson, came charging back, pulling within 21-20 in the fourth quarter -- only a missed extra point keeping Commerce in the lead.<br /> <br /> Yet Athens Academy looked set to take that lead -- until Jones stepped in and snagged a Spartans pass and returned it 90 yards for a 27-20 advantage.<br /> <br /> Jones' play came with 3:10 remaining -- enough time for another push from Athens Academy. The Tigers defense bent but didn't break, holding Athens Academy out of the end zone -- by a yard -- as time ran out.<br /> <br /> Commerce finished with 184 total yards, including 126 yards rushing for Chancey.<br /> <br /> Athens Academy rolled up 273 yards, led by Richardson's 89 rushing yards and 123 passing yards. The quarterback scored all three Athens Academy touchdowns.<br /> <br /> Commerce will look to keep their winning ways going next week at Athens Christian.