Tigers’ season ends in Seminole County

The Indians jumped out to an early lead, producing scoring runs on their first three possessions.

The Tigers finally got on the board in the second quarter when Terrick Ramsey broke loose on a 69-yard touchdown run, putting the score at 21-7.

Commerce seemed to have momentum on its side as it forced an Indian punt; however, that momentum was extinguished when the Indians wrestled down Quay Little in the Tiger end zone for a safety.

After the safety punt, the Tigers held the Indians on fourth down, sending the game into halftime with a score of 23-7.

The Tigers strung together a 57-yard drive to open the second half, but after suffering a crucial penalty near the goal line, were unable to punch it in the end zone and failed to convert on fourth down.

The Indians scored twice more in the fourth quarter, once on a 79-yard run, and again on a 40-yard fumble return, sealing a 36-7 Seminole County victory.

Jamal Browner had 21 carries for 75 yards, while Terrick Ramsey had 10 for 91 yards.

Darian Hill led the Tiger defense with eight tackles, while Chase Ledbetter added six.

“I give Seminole County a lot of credit,” said Commerce head coach Marvin Justice. “They have a really good football team. They have above average size and great speed. I think they have a great chance to move on to the final four.”

The 2012 Tigers saw a season with many highs and lows as the Tigers started out 4-0, but eventually fell to 5-6.

“I told the kids after the game – mainly the seniors – that they’ve all been in the program for four years and I really believe that they will be better men for having been in it,” said Justice. “It’s not always about wins and losses. They were a great group of kids and they competed hard all year long.”

The Tigers are graduating ten seniors, several of whom played key positions that will have to be filled for next year; however, the coaching staff isn’t ready to cross that bridge quite yet.

“For the most part, the kids that played backup roles this year are going to have to move in to starting roles,” Justice said. “It’s always been that way. Sometimes you’ll have some disappointments and sometimes you’ll have some surprises, but we’ll worry more about that a little later down the line. It’s something we are thinking about.”