COMMERCE — Commerce saw its four-game win streak snapped in a stunning 28-19 loss to Social Circle on Friday in Region 8-A action at Tiger Stadium.
It was the first win for the Redskins (4-4, 1-2 Region 8-A Public) over Commerce since 2005 and snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Tigers.
However, the loss did not derail the Tigers chances at repeating as region champions. Commerce (5-3, 2-1 Region 8-A Public) still holds its own playoff and title hopes in its hands.
The Tigers will play host to first place Washington-Wilkes (7-1, 3-0 Region 8-A Public) next week and then close out the season on the road against Lincoln County. A sweep of those two games would give the Tigers the region title.
Things started well for Commerce, which took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Dreylan Martin scored on a 3-yard run. But turnovers doomed the Tigers from there.
The Redskins forced two fumbles, an interception, and blocked a field goal. Social Circle answered Martin’s score with a pair of first quarter touchdowns to take a 14-7 lead. It stayed that way until the third quarter.
The Redskins increased their lead to 21-7 before Trey Garnto got the Tigers back within 21-13 late in the third quarter on a 4-yard scoring run. But Social Circle answered again with a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to push the lead back to 28-13.
Garnto scored again in the fourth quarter but the Tigers could get no closer.
The Commerce offense still managed to pile up 427 yards, 351 on the ground. Jaiden Daniels had another big game with 184 yards rushing and Garnto finished with 101 yards on the ground and 76 yards passing.
Social Circle had just 55 yards rushing on 23 attempts but had 182 yards through the air and took advantage of every Commerce miscue.
