COMMERCE, Ga. — A month ago, trouble loomed on the horizon for Commerce, with star running back Jaiden Daniels sidelined and the struggle to break in a new quarterback encountering some early roadblocks.
An 0-2 start to the season also brought more questions than answers. The offense, which averaged 33 points/game in 2023, scored just 34 total points in losses to Wesleyan and East Jackson.
That resulted in the Tigers dropping from the top three in Class A Division 1 to out of the rankings all together. However, it’s been an entirely different story since the moment Daniels took off the boot surrounding his injured ankle.
The senior took over the quarterback spot and sparked the offense to 52 points (26.0 ppg) and two wins over Luella and Madison County. But he and the Tigers will face their biggest, and most important, test of the season on Friday.
Athens Academy, which is the top-ranked team in Class A D1 public and private combined, brings a high-flying offense and stingy defense into Tiger Stadium for both teams’ all-important Region 8-A D1 opener.
Daniels' return gives them firepower in the backfield that few teams in the state can match. Daniels and fullback Tysean Wiggins combined for over 3,000 yards in 2023 while running back Jacari Huff, the backup to Daniels, amassed more than 600 yards last year.
“We have shown steady improvement over the last two games,” Commerce coach Mark Hollars said. “Our team is finding its identity on offense. Jaiden is getting comfortable in his new position and so are his teammates.”
But the Spartans (4-0, 0-0 Region 8-A D1) have some firepower of their own. They’re averaging 514 yards/game on offense behind senior quarterback Hampton Johnson, who has thrown for 863 yards, 11 TDs, with just 1 INT and is second in Class A D1 in passing behind only Ben Brown of Wesleyan. The Spartans' Keyon Standifer (619 yards) leads Class A D1 in receiving. The Spartans also have four players with over 150 yards rushing. They’re giving up just 12.5 ppg on defense.
The Tigers (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-A D1) gave up 42 in that loss to Wesleyan. Since then, they have yielded just 40 total points (13.3 ppg) over their past three games.
If schedule matters, the Tigers may have a slight edge. Athens Academy’s first four opponents are just 6-10 overall and only Aquinas (2-1) has a winning record. The Tigers first four opponents are 8-8 with only one team, Luella (1-3) sporting a losing record.
Stats aside, Hollars said the best defense could be a dominating offense. And their ball-control option attack could be just the recipe.
“Their offense is explosive,” he said. “They have a collection of outstanding skilled players. Their receiving corps is deep and makes big plays. They have done a great job as well up front with opening up running lanes for a strong group of running backs.
“We will need to play a complete game. Complimentary football will be key this week. Winning the kicking game and playing our style of offense will be important as well.”
With the Power Ratings System in play to determine the playoff seedings in Class A, the region winners will secure one of the top eight seeds. Unless, of course, a private team wins the region, which would drop the second place team, if it’s a public school, down to the Nos. 9 to 15 positions in the bracket. Snagging a region title could determine your playoff fate.
Someone will need to knock off the Spartans to take that last detail out of the equation. A massive showdown to open region play can set the tone for everyone, good or bad.
Hollars said they don’t worry about when they play someone, just that when it’s time, they be ready.
“We have no control over the (region) schedule,” he said. “Our job is to be ready each week to play our best football. We are excited about the opportunity to be playing in a meaningful football game.”
