The Spartans overcame a 21-13 defecit by tying the game on a touchdown and two-point conversion in the third quarter. The Tigers were shut out in the second half, failing to score again until overtime.
Both teams scored a touchdown on their opening drive in the first quarter, but Commerce added another just before the second quarter began.
Commerce (6-3, 3-1) struck first with a one-yard run from quarterback Reuben Haynes, who racked up 107 yards on 25 carries, scoring two touchdowns.
Athens Academy (7-1, 3-0) retaliated on a one-yard rushing touchdown by fullback Jeff Turner following a 68-yard kickoff return by McKay Matthews. Turner tallied 58 yards on only 10 carries, but found the endzone three times on the ground.
The Tigers' touchdown to take the lead at the end of the first quarter was on Haynes' 10-yard run. However, Commerce missed the extra point, leaving them up 13-7.
Commerce quickly scored in the second quarter on a 7-yard reception by Jon Cash from Haynes. Haynes was 13 for 18 passing with 125 yards and a touchdown. His leading receiver was senior Cohen Cooke, who collected 97 yards on nine catches. Cash had 90 all-purpose yards, gaining 62 on the ground and 28 through the air.
The Cash touchdown was followed by a successful two-point conversion, giving the Spartans the 21-7 advantage.
Athens Academy gave Turner the ball for another one-yard score, but the extra point was blocked, leaving the score 21-13 going into the half.
The Spartans opened the second half with an impressive drive that ended with a 12-yard touchdown run by Turner, followed by a successful two-point conversion to tie the game on a reception by Landon Heath from freshman Will Daniel.
Daniel was 8 for 17 on the game with 123 yards. Matthews led his team in receiving with 65 yards on five catches.
After the game-tying score to begin the second half, neither team was able to add points until overtime. However, Athens Academy had a chance to win the game with 1:04 left with a 20-yard field goal opportunity. Commerce pressured the kicker and the ball was hooked wide left, sending the game into overtime after a quick series by Commerce.
Commerce was unable to find the endzone, but took the lead on a 28-yard field goal. The Spartans were determined to win, running the ball up the middle on four consecutive plays before getting the first down.
Matthews had not run the ball the entire game until Athens Academy handed him the ball at the two yard line. He fought his way to the goal line and dove in to give the Spartans the dramatic 27-24 win.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/10/84626