Athens Academy is 2-1 in the region and 5-1 overall, fresh off a 42-7 victory over Social Circle last Friday.
On paper, the Spartans appear to have a slight edge, having scored 159 points this season to the Tigers’ 143, and per game average of 26.5 to 23.8.
But the big difference comes in the defense, as Athens Academy has allowed just 62 points, a per-game average of 10.3, while Commerce has allowed 153 points, a per-game average of 25.5.
“Athens has got the best complete football team that we’ve played outside of North Oconee,” said coach Steve Savage. “They are well balanced on offense, they run and pass well, they trap well, and they run counter traps well, so you have a lot of misdirection. They’ve got some option game in, and a little of everything. They give you a multitude of formations. Their quarterback, Mark Sanders, is the best quarterback that we play against. He really controls his team.
“Defensively, they are the soundest team that we play,” Savage added. “They’re going to be where they’re supposed to be. They’re strong and big up front and they’ve got good speed in the secondary. It’s going to be a good contest.”
Kickoff is at 7:30.
Riverside
Last week, Commerce took control of the game early. After a 56-yard drive, Addison Davis ran it in from 16 yards out just over three and a half minutes into the game. A blocked PAT gave the Tigers a 6-0 lead.
Riverside took a brief lead, scoring with just over four minutes left in the quarter, making it 7-6.
Quarterback Cody Streetman scored on an 11-yard keeper just over three minutes later, the culmination of a six-play, 58-yard drive. A failed two-point conversion attempt made it 12-7.
With just over five minutes left in the half, Davis scored from four yards out to cap a 58-yard drive. For the second time, the PAT was blocked by the Eagles, making it an 18-7 game.
Riverside moved into field goal position with 10 seconds left in the half, but could not make the kick.
Jessie Savage scored the fourth Tiger touchdown on a four-yard run following a 59-yard drive. A successful PAT this time made it a 25-7 lead.
The Eagles scored 2:30 into the fourth quarter and made a successful two-point conversion to make it a 25-15 ball game.
The Tigers put the game away with just over 3:30 left to play, as Jessie Savage ran in from five yards out to make it a 32-15 lead for Commerce.
Riverside would score one more time as the buzzer sounded. With no extra point, the game ended with Commerce on top 32-21.
For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Commerce News.
