The six Commerce High seniors nodded together when a classmate likened their time on the football field as a “family” experience.
On Friday, the Tiger family triumphed in a 45-21 rout over Social Circle, a win the team expected for a variety of reasons.
Most of all, the Commerce victory secured the school a playoff spot this week, the first in post-season competition. The Tigers play Lincoln County (10-0) in Lincolnton at 7:30 p.m. this Friday.
Last week’s win also provided a positive sendoff for the seniors, who played their final game at home following a ceremony that celebrated all the school’s senior athletes.
“Let me start,” quarterback Cody Streetman said, sensing reluctance by his teammates to speak about the ups and downs of a challenging season. “We play as a family. That means we win as a family and we lose as a family.”
They each acknowledged the long regular season, which ended 4-6. They had not planned on such a punishing year when they arrived to the first contact workout on Tiger Field at midnight on Aug. 1. But just hours before the midnight marking the end of their final home game night, Josh Swistak viewed the team’s win as a much-needed confidence boost.
“I think we got a lot tougher this season. I think we should be ready,” Swistak said, smiling.
He joined his senior classmates as contributing to their final home performance in a major way. As a linebacker he made five tackles. As a placekicker, he was perfect on six extra point attempts and nailed a 35-yard field goal, his longest of the season. His is the second leading scorer this year, behind Streetman.
“We worked on field goals all week,” Swistak said smiling.
Senior Christian Hawkins scored his first touchdown of the season Friday on his one carry, a 29-yard run. His rare scoring moment “felt really good,” he admitted.
Senior receiver Garrett Wilson gained 17 yards receiving on two catches. And classmate Sam Lewis was among those leading the way on defense with several tackles.
Streetman led the team on offense. He rushed for 171 yards on 12 carries and scored three touchdowns, including a 55-yard dash into the end zone. He also passed for 130 yards, including a touchdown to sophomore Marquavius Little. Sophomore Drew Whitfield led receivers with 50 yards on two catches.
On defense, a host of players united to shut down the struggling Social Circle team.
Leading tacklers were Morgan Flint (6 and a sack), Trey Grier (9), Dillion Haggard (8) and Whitfield (7).
The win lifted the Tigers to 4-6 overall and 3-3 in Region 8-A and also extended Commerce’s playoff streak to 15. Each senior acknowledged the playoff streak’s importance.
As important, they said, was snapping the damaging three-game losing skid to region foes and fellow playoff contenders from Region 8-A — Prince Avenue (No. 1 seed), George Walton Academy (No. 2) and Athens Academy (No. 3). Commerce claimed No. 4.
Justice, in his first year at the helm of the program, mentioned again the uphill season schedule, which included bigger classification teams North Oconee (10-0) and Jefferson (8-2).
He also referenced the misfortune of injury, which sidelined at least three starters for most of the season including Vaughn, who played his last game in pain against George Walton.
Yes, Lincoln County will be a tough opponent, Justice said.
But Commerce has shown this season that they possess toughness, too.
“To me the win shows the character and resilience of our kids,” Justice said after the game. “I’m proud of our team. On Monday, 32 teams will be practicing in Class A and getting ready for the playoffs, and we’re going to be one of them.”
