CHS football team to play EJCHS and Banks Co.

East Jackson and Commerce (which plays in Region 8-A) will clash Sept. 7 in the Eagles’ home opener in the first match-up ever of these schools separated by 4.4 miles.

“I think it’s a great thing for both schools,” East Jackson coach Brian Smith said. “I’m excited that we could work it out … You’ve got a chance to start a healthy rivalry between the both of us.”

Smith said the game fell into place with both programs having similar scheduling needs.

“We just kind of fell into the same opportunities with each other,” Smith said.
If there is a mantra to East Jackson’s 2012 schedule it’s this: Play local.
In addition to the Commerce game, East Jackson will travel to nearby Banks County (Aug. 31), as well as East Hall — located just one county over — (Sept. 14) for its other non-region games.

In region play, the Eagles, now members of 8-AAA, will play Elbert County (Sept. 28, away), Hart County (Oct. 5, home), Jackson County (Oct. 12, away), Morgan County (Oct. 19, home), North Oconee (Oct. 26, home), Franklin County (Nov. 2, away) and Oconee County (Nov. 9, home).
East Jackson’s furthest trip this year is to Elbert County.

Commerce officials were also pleased with its schedule, which includes Banks County and Rabun County.

“I am pleased that Coach (Marvin) Justice was able to schedule Banks County and East Jackson for the next two years,” athletic director Donnie Drew said. “I hope that it will be good not only for us but also the other schools as well. I don’t believe any of us will mind traveling the short distance for these games. It is also good to have Rabun County back on our schedule.”

Commerce 2012 Schedule


Aug. 17 at Franklin County (scrimmage), 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 31 host Jefferson, 8 p.m.
Sept. 7 at East Jackson, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 host Banks County, 8 p.m.
Sept. 21 host Rabun County, 8 p.m.
Sept. 28 at George Walton Academy, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5 host Athens Christian, 8 p.m.
Oct. 12 at Prince Avenue, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19 at Athens Academy, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 26 host Hebron Christian, 8 p.m.
Nov. 2 bye
No. 9 host Pinecrest Academy, 8 p.m.