CommerceNewsTODAY

Warriors run past Tigers, 21-7

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:08:51 -0500

IRWINTON--The Wilkinson County Warriors proved to be as fast as advertised -- and then some.

Small but speedy tailback Immanual Shinholster ripped off touchdown runs of 60 and 75 yards as the Warriors bumped the Commerce Tigers from the first round of the playoffs with a 21-7 win.

The loss ends the Tigers' season at 5-6, their first losing campaign since 1992.

Commerce traveled two and a half hours down Hwy. 441 for the playoff matchup and fell behind 21-0 in the third quarter before trying to rally late.

Deon Orsborne scored the Tigers' lone touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but Commerce turned the ball over on its next drive and Wilkinson County ran the clock out from there.

The Warriors move on to face Gordon Lee in the second round of the playoffs next Friday, while Commerce exits the playoffs in the first round for the third time in the last four seasons.

After giving up a 60-yard touchdown run to Shinholster late in the first quarter, Commerce appeared to steal the momentum in the final seconds of the second quarter, turning back Wilkinson County on a fourth-and-goal at the Tiger four yard line.

However, Wilkinson County would atone for that miss in the third quarter, running a reverse on fourth-and-four to Benardis Hughes who sprinted past the Commerce defense for a 14-yard touchdown with 8:11 left in the period.

On its ensuing possession, Commerce was stopped short at the Wilkinson 25 on a crucial fourth-and-three (reaction from the Tiger sideline indicated that Commerce thought the Warriors were offsides), turning the ball over on downs. That would prove to be the turning point of the game.

One play later, Shinholster sprung loose from the grasp of a handful of Tiger tacklers and motored 75 yards down the right sideline to put the Warriors up 21-0.

Commerce answered with a 76-yard touchdown drive -- capped by a two-yard run by Orsborne with 10:58 left in the game -- but wouldn't cut any further into the Warriors' lead.

The Tigers' trip to the state playoffs marked the program's 12th-straight appearance in the postseason.

Budget woes could hit Commerce school staff, programs

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:06:00 -0500

If the state’s revenue shortfall dips to what one expert expects it to, the budget ax could fall on programs and teachers at Commerce City Schools next year.

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Theft of $10 cooler gets 3 jailed for shoplifting

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:37:00 -0500

A $10.70 cooler allegedly shoplifted from the Flying J Travel Plaza may end up costing three local people a whole lot more.

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Local sign of healthcare meltdown

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:34:00 -0500

BJC Medical Center announced that it is closing its obstetrics departments. After Dec. 9, no babies will be born at BJC.

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Lori Martin named Commerece School System Teacher of the Year

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:18:00 -0500

Commerce Middle School teacher Lori Martin was recognized as the city school system’s Teacher of the Year at Monday night’s school board meeting.

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Tigers Travel To Wilkinson County Friday

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:58:47 -0500

The Commerce High School Tigers are in the playoffs and still have a challenge before them.

Commerce secured a number three seed in the playoffs after a 22-12 victory over Prince Avenue last Friday.

The first hurdle in the playoffs for the Tigers is Wilkinson County, the number two seed in 7-A. Commerce will make the two-and-half-hour trek to Irwinton this Friday for the first-round game. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Breakdown

Wilkinson County went 7-3 overall and 4-1 in the region, scoring a total of 318 points. Commerce ended the regular season 5-5 overall and 4-2 in the region, scoring 212 points. Commerce also allowed nearly triple the points this year that Wilkinson County gave up.

Over the past ten games, the Tigers allowed an average of 21.8 points per game. Wilkinson allowed only an average of 9.1 points per game.

According to Commerce’s head coach Steve Savage, the Wilkinson Warriors are extremely athletic and have a strong speed advantage.

“[Wilkinson] has eight guys that can fly,” said Savage, “They all can play too. When you’ve got eight of them that run like that you certainly have a speed disadvantage.”

Still, Savage thinks the Tigers can compete.

“I feel like that we can be in the game. We just cannot let them get out ahead of us,” Savage said. “You won’t be catching them if they get ahead of you.”

Commerce’s plan is to hang onto the ball for as long as it can, Savage said.

“Either you win or you don’t. We are going to do the best we can,” said Savage. “We are playing our best football right now.”

Tigers Get Third Straight Win Over Prince

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:53:00 -0500

“We played good enough to win,” said Tiger coach Steve Savage. “Sometimes good enough to win is good enough.”

Friday night, Commerce secured a .500 regular season after a 22-12 victory over Prince Avenue Christian.

Riding a three-game winning streak, the Commerce High School Tigers are heading to the playoffs as the number three seed in region 8-A.

The Tigers did make some big plays last Friday. Casey Drinkard intercepted a pass on a fake punt and returned it 18 yards, and Jon Cash returned a kick for 20 yards to place Commerce in position late in the second quarter. And in the second half, Commerce rushed the ball 214 yards.

“It sure feels good to win again,” Savage said. “We kind of struggled on the winning side all year.”

During the first half, Prince Avenue maintained possession for 17:19 and was able to get on the board in the second quarter. Commerce held the ball only 6:41, but led 7-6 going into the second half. Deon Orsborne ran in the 15-yard touchdown followed by a PAT by Cameron Billings.

Commerce scored in the third quarter on a 13-yard run by Orsborne followed by a two-point conversion run by Carl Allen, setting the Tigers up 15-6. A fourth quarter 10-yard touchdown by Jovan Womack and a PAT from Billings moved Commerce ahead 22-6. Prince Avenue slipped in a touchdown to make the final score 22-12.

By The Numbers

Commerce picked up 16 first downs Friday night, 15 rushing and one on a pass. The Tigers rushed for 254 yards, averaging 5.9 yards on 43 attempts and completed two passes for a total of 30 yards.

Orsborne scored two touchdowns and rushed for 154 yards, bringing his season total to 729 yards. Jovan Womack also scored for Commerce and rushed for 59 yards, bringing his season total to 229 yards. Jon Cash gained 55 yards to put his season total at 625 yards.

Cody Streetman attempted nine passes and completed two, both to Carl Allen, for 30 yards.

Defensively the big play was Drinkard’s interception. He was also the leading tackler with four solos and three assists. Andrew Minish made five solo tackles and an assist. Travaris Glasper made four solo tackles and assisted on two.

Fleeman Overcomes Setbacks, Wins World Crown

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0500

Sunday’s World Crown at Peach State Speedway in Jefferson will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest come from behind victories in the event’s storied 25-year history.

After losing a lap a quarter of the way through the 200 lap event, Russell Fleeman charged back, using the cunning and skill of a veteran driver, and won the crown, the trophy and the check that had eluded him in several tries over the years.

“We’ve been trying to win the World Crown for five or six years, and it seems like we’d either do good or have bad luck,” Fleeman said after the victory. “We tested here earlier in the year and got a game plan.”

That plan didn’t involve fighting back from the flat tire, but probably did anticipate having to hold off a hard charging Taylor Satterfield and defending winner Paul Kelley at the end.

“I knew I had to get as close to the front as I could, but I didn’t want to use my tires up,” Fleeman said. “When I finally got out in the lead, I knew I had to pace myself.”

For Satterfield, of Commerce, the runner-up spot was a good showing on his home town track.

Commerce's Taylor Satterfield (40) leads Russell Fleeman (98) early in the event. Satterfield would finish second at the end of the day. Photo by Lyn Sengupta

“Everything worked out good,” he said. “Lap traffic kind of got in the way, but we saved the tires as best we could and tried to keep the pace. Maybe we waited too long, because we were closing in on him there towards the end.”

With 38 cars starting the race, it was the largest field for the World Crown since 1984. Pole sitter Brandon Johnson led the field to the green flag, and stayed on point through the first 11 laps.

The caution flag flew twice during that time, first when a flat tire sent Richard Johns spinning in the third turn, and the second when Senoia driver Bubba Pollard stopped on the back stretch after experiencing a mechanical issue.

Race officials docked Pollard a lap for intentionally bringing out the caution.

Back under green, Kelley passed Johnson on lap 12 to take the lead, and would hold the top spot until the halfway break at lap 100.

Meanwhile, Satterfield, former Jefferson native Ryan Crane and Fleeman worked their way into the top five, and were fighting for position when Fleeman slowed suddenly on lap 53, the victim of a cut tire.

He rushed to the pits, where his crew quickly made repairs and sent him back out. Fleeman lost a lap to the leader in the process.

As Fleeman roared out of the pits, Pollard made his way around Kelley to get back on the lead lap. A spin by Jimmy Weller brought out the caution again, allowing Pollard to rejoin the race at the back of the field.

Pendergrass driver Paul Kelley heads for pit road to repair damage to his car in the later stages of Sunday’s World Crown. Kelley would return to finish third. Photo by Brandon Reed

The caution was a blessing for Fleeman, who now had the chance to restart alongside the leader, and on lap 69, he moved around Kelley to get back on the lead lap. When Commerce’s Dennis Wilder spun on the backstretch on lap 81, Fleeman was able to rejoin the field on the lead lap.

Kelley held the lead to the halfway point, where the race was halted for a five minute break to allow teams to work on their cars.

When the green flew again, Pollard, who had worked his way back up into the top five, apparently experienced transmission trouble, and stopped again on the front stretch to bring out a caution.

Pollard was again penalized one lap by race officials, but would make up that lap again later on in the race.

Kelley, meanwhile, came under immediate attack from Johnson, and gave up the lead on lap 107. Fifteen laps later, it appeared that Kelley struck a piece of debris on the track, and the entire left side body work on his car flew up, flapping as he went by.

A caution two laps later gave the three time World Crown champ a chance to come in and make repairs. He restarted at the back of the field.

Meanwhile, Fleeman worked his way back into contention moving into the second spot. On lap 157, Fleeman ducked low out of the fourth turn, and took the top spot away, and would never give it back.

Flagman Waylan Nicholson waves the checkered flag over Russell Fleeman at the finish of the 2008 World Crown. Photo by Lyn Sengupta

As Fleeman moved away for his first World Crown win, Satterfield moved to second, and Kelley roared back through the field to third. But neither could catch Fleeman, who motored to victory lane.

The talent he had beaten wasn’t lost on Fleeman after the race.

“There’s some good talent and drivers coming up through here,” he said. “It just makes me feel good that I’m still able to drive, and thankfull for everyone who helps me.

“We’re looking forward to next year and winning some more races.”

Johnson would hold on for fourth, while Crane finished fifth. David Hole, Randy Porter, Kyle Fowler, Max Gresham and Pollard rounded out the top ten.

25th Annual World Crown 200
Peach State Speedway
Jefferson, GA
November 9, 2008

Finishing Results

1) Russell Fleeman - Dacula, GA
2) Taylor Satterfield - Commerce, GA
3) Paul Kelley - Pendergrass, GA
4) Brandon Johnson - Longwood, FL
5) Ryan Crane - Panama City, FL
6) David Hole - Cumming, GA
7) Randy Porter - Easley, SC
8) Kyle Fowler - Smyrna, GA
9) Max Gresham - Griffin, GA
10) Bubba Pollard - Senoia, GA
11) Michael Pope - Dublin, GA
12) Bobby East - Mooresville, NC
13) Dennis Wilder - Commerce, GA
14) Jeremy Rice - Elberton, GA
15) TJ Reaid - Acworth, GA
16) Ralph Carnes - Anderson, SC
17) Trey Mitchell - Wimberley,Texas
18) Tyler Millwood - Kingston, GA
19) Shane Sieg - Tucker, GA
20) Jimmy Weller - Liberty, Ohio
21) Rebecca Kastin - Mequon, Wisconsin
22) Kyle Mitchell - Hampton, GA
23) Billy Fulson - Douglasville, GA
24) Brian Weimer - Cumming, GA
25) Scott Patton - Chattanooga, TN
26) Larry Jordan - Hoschton, GA
27) Jimmy Garmon - Hoschton, GA
28) Shane Sawyer - Canton, GA
29) Alex Garcia - Marietta, GA
30) Zac Kittle - Watkinsville, GA
31) James Nealis - Gainesville, GA
32) Jimmy Lang - Bluffton, SC
33) Bear Lynch - Denver, Colorado
34) Matt Hawkins - Canton, GA
35) Beau Slocomb - Macon, GA
36) Richard Johns - Charlotte, NC
37) John Wes Townley - Watkinsville, GA
38) Michael Lance - Lawrenceville, GA

Fast Facts

Number of lead changes– 3
Lap leaders– Johnson (1-11), Kelley (12-107), Johnson (108-157), Fleeman (158-200)
Pole Winner– Brandon Johnson, 17.853 (100.823 mph)
Number of cautions– 18

Cross Country Eagles place in Elite Eight at State

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:26:00 -0500

Both East Jackson cross country teams performed well enough to reach the elite eight teams last weekend at state competition in Carrollton.

The girls finished seventh out of 35 schools, while the boys finished eighth of 35 schools.

Sherri Blalock finished third out of 82 runners with a national elite time of 19:55, setting a new school record for East Jackson. Blalock also made the All-State team.

Other runners included Kassie Mull, who placed 29th with a personal best time of 22:04; Skyler Cozzens placed 40th with a 22:34; Amanda Anderson finished 68th with a 24:04; Dakota Chandler placed 69th with a 24:05; and Hope Boggs finished 71st with a 24:11.

“The girls were fantastic,” said coach Bob Roller. “They really came on. They’re all ninth and tenth graders, and have room to improve for next year.”

Roller said the top five girls will be returning for 2009.

For the boys, Brandon Banks placed 16th overall out of 217 runners with a time of 17:33. Other runners included Kevin Kesler, who placed 21st with a 17:49; Terry Miller finished 41st with an 18:17; Chris White placed 95th
with a 19:32; Andy Van Deventer placed 98th with a 19:34; and Eric Van Deventer finished 106th with a 19:41.

“We were strong up front, and ran tough at the back end, but not well enough for the top four,” Roller said. “But it’s an improvement over last year.”

He said seven of the top nine boys will return next year.

He added that the top four girls’ teams in region 8-AA will all have their top five athletes returning next year. He also said that of the schools that represented the region at state, four made the elite eight.

“It will be a real competitive season in 2009,” Roller said.

Crane Grabs Peach State Win On Wild Night

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:00:00 -0500

To call the Saturday’s run up to the World Crown at Peach State Speedway wild would be a bit of an understatement.

No less than 20 drivers throughout the race card found their cars disqualified before the end of the night.

But one that had no problems at all was former Jefferson resident Ryan Crane, who dominated the US Auto Sales 100 for Super Late Model racers, taking his second Peach State victory of the year.

He won a GAS event at the track back in July as well.

“It was a great race,” Crane said. “I’m excited, it was a great race for us. This car is great.”

Crane, who now lives in Panama City, Fla., said the win was also special because he grew up in Jefferson.

“This is big, because I’ve got so many family and friends here. To come back here and win, it means a lot.”

Justin Wakefield was flagged as the runner-up, but was disqualified due to an infraction in post-race tech, moving Jefferson’s Joey Senter to second. Dwayne Buggay and Jeremy Rice rounded out the top five finishers.

David Murphy, pictured here from an earlier event, took Sunday's Outlaw Late Model event at Peach State.

Local classes ruled the day as well, while one local class would race on Sunday. That was the Outlaw Late Model class, where Jefferson’s David Murphy out-dueled track champ Hoyt Stephens for the win, with the two swapping the lead several times during the 50-lap event. Local firefighter Russell Shore ran third, with Jerry Martin fourth and Todd Vanderford fifth.

The rest of the local classes faced Saturday night, as did the Pro Challenge series, which features scaled down racers with young drivers. Clint King charged to the front, and collected not only the win, but the tour championship as well, with Megan Dillner, Kyle Wilson, Kyle Plott and Shane Roberts rounding out the top five.

It came as no surprise that Steve Hill charged his way to the front in the Mini Stock division. Hill, who was awarded his trophy as Mini Stock champion for Peach State in 2008 earlier in the day, made some daring moves to pick up position early, then sailed to the win. B.J. Thrasher’s second place car was disqualified in post-race tech, giving that position to Wayne Smith. Buster Thrasher, Michael Bucker and David Talvert rounded out the top five.

The Open Wheel Modified division made their return to Peach State, putting on a fast and furious show for the fans. Photo by Brandon Reed

The Open Wheel Modified division made only their second appearance on Peach State’s high banks Saturday, and put on a big show for the fans, with Darrell Bryson and Jason Bates scrapping hard for the win. In the end, both were disqualified in post-race tech, handing the victory to Marlin Gunter. He was followed by Chris Holbrook, J.D. Clements, Randy Gilbert and Bryan Cantrell.

Races were also held for both the Super Truck and Sportsman divisions. However, all vehicles were disqualified in post-race tech either for illegal items or modifications to their racers, or for refusing to report to tech inspection.

No results were available.

BJC Medical Center to quit delivering babies

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:59:00 -0500

Trying to shave its operating deficit, BJC Medical Center is closing its labor and delivery services, leaving three doctors scrambling to make alternative arrangements for patients.

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Drought continues, but it's not on front burner

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:12:00 -0500

Three feet more water and a year’s experience make a lot of difference.

Although the area remains mired in the worst drought in state history, the angst about reservoir levels and water restrictions is nowhere near what it was just one year ago.

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Eagles fall to JHS in season closer

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:18:00 -0500

The East Jackson Eagles’ first season of region play ended Friday night with a loss in the driving rain to region 8-AA champ Jefferson 48-0 Friday night.

East Jackson wound up with three region wins in its inaugural season in 8-AA, having defeated Oglethorpe County, Rabun County and Dawson County. They recorded six losses and had an overall record of 3-7.

Between the weather and a tough Dragon team, things got ugly early on for East Jackson. Before the game was even seven minutes old, the Dragons had scored twice, making it 14-0.

The Dragons scored again in the second quarter, making the score 20-0 after a missed PAT. The Dragons broke into the end zone again just six minutes later, and following a successful two-point conversion had a 28-0 lead.

Jefferson recovered an Eagle fumble with just over two minutes remaining in the half, and less than 20 seconds later, scored their fifth touchdown of the game. A successful PAT gave Jefferson a 35-0 lead going into the half.

Jefferson scored twice in the fourth quarter, but East Jackson’s defense managed to block the second PAT attempt, leaving the score 48-0 to the end.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Commerce News or The Jackson Herald.

Vehicle strikes bicyclist on Maysville Road

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:44:42 -0500

A Jackson County man hit while riding his bicycle on Hwy. 98 a quarter mile east of Yarbrough-Ridgeway Road was transported to Athens Regional Medical Center Tuesday night.

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Fleeman Comes From Behind To Win World Crown

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:04:21 -0500

Dacula's Russell Fleeman showed that in racing, nothing is certain.

Just 50 laps into Sunday's World Crown at Peach State Speedway, a flat tire sent the 2008 Georgia Asphalt Series champ to the pits, and relegated him a lap down.

But the hard charging Fleeman fought back, got back on the lead lap, then worked his way back to the front to hold off Commerce's Taylor Satterfield and three time World Crown champ Paul Kelley for the win.

It is Fleeman's first victory in the World Crown, a race that has eluded him for several years.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Jackson Herald.

Eagles Fall To Dragons In Season Closer

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:55:17 -0500

As the rain continued to fall in Nicholson, the Eagle hopefull continued to hope for a miracle.

What they got was more rain, more miserable conditions, and a 48-0 loss.

It was not completely unexpected. Their opponent, the Jefferson Dragons, entered into Friday night's game as the 8-AA champions, sporting an unbeaten record to boot.

The Eagles end their season with a 3-7 overall record, and 3-6 in the region.

Entfinger Puts Townley's Car On World Crown Pole

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:27:38 -0500

Fill in driver Grant Entfinger, piloting the car normally driven by Watkinsville racer John Wes Townley, put his fill-in position to good use Saturday, as he put the #09 Ford on the pole with a time of 17.817 around Peach State Speedway in Jefferson.

Unfortunatly, Entfinger, winner of the Rattler 250 in Alabama earlier this year, will have to give up that fast seat. Townley, who spent Friday and Saturday racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series and the Nationwide Series in Phoenix Arizona, is schedulled to fly back to Georgia tonight to race in Saturday's World Crown.

Regardless of the speed, the driver change will mean Townley will have to start at the back of the field on Saturday.

Three time World Crown winner Paul Kelley held the provisional pole for a time Saturday, turning a lap in 17. He was third fastest at the end of qualifying.

The World Crown 300 is scheduled to get underway at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Peach State Speedway. For more information, go to www.peachstspeedway.com.

Disagreement leads to pair's arrest

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:36:00 -0500

A man who called Commerce police following an argument with his girlfriend may have had second thoughts.

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A wish list for 2012

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:27:00 -0500

By Susan Harper

Election Day is barely behind us, and I am already planning for the next election season, because win, lose, or draw, I would like for the whole experience to be different. I believe our health and sanity are at stake here. Elections may be shortening our lives.

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Slab poured, steel going up on new gym

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:10:00 -0500

The floor has been poured and the steel is going up on the new “practice gym” at Commerce High School.

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Eagles Take 2nd, 4th At Region Meet

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0500

The East Jackson Eagles cross country team had strong performances in region competition at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville this past weekend, and now prepare for a trip to the state meet in Carrollton this weekend.

The boys’ team came away with a second place finish, following only North Oconee, while the girls placed fourth behind North Oconee, Jefferson and Dawson County.

Individually, Brandon Banks led the boys with a fourth place finish overall with a new school record time of 17:27; Kevin Kesler placed fifth with a 17:34; Terry Miller finished 15th with an 18:35; Andy Van Deventer placed 22nd with a 19:09; Eric Van Deventer finished 28th with a 19:19; Josh Kesler finished 46th with a 20:12; and Chris White finished 50th with a 20:26.

“North Oconee was just too strong for us,” said coach Bob Roller. “We beat their number one runner, but they were just too strong for us.

“The boys did well, they ran hard, and we’re very pleased.”

The boys will be making their second trip to the state meet.

For the girls, Sherri Blalock finished third overall, and set a new school record with a time of 20:04; Kassie Mull finished 10th with a 22:14; Skyler Cozzens finished 11th with a personal record time of 22:17; Amanda Anderson finished 28th with a 23:47; Dakota Chandler finished 32nd with a personal record time of 23:57; and Hope Boggs finished 38th with a 24:35.

Along with Blalock setting a new school record with her run, Roller pointed to the runs of Mull and Cozzens as other standout performances.

“Kassie Mull ran on that course two weeks ago, and she ran 41 seconds faster this time than she did two weeks ago,” he said. “Skyler Cozzens’ run was 80 seconds faster than she has ever run before.

“It was just great for the girls to make it.”

It will be the girls first trip to the state meet.

In JV competition, Blake Allbright finished second out of 48 runners with a time of 19:39, while Jon Mead turned in a time of 19:50.

Taste Of Jackson Draws A Crowd

nospam@example.com (Administrator) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:51:47 -0500

The Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Taste of Jackson/Business Showcase drew a large crowd to the Commerce Civic Center Thursday night.
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Eagles prepare for Jefferson onslaught in season closer Friday

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:00:00 -0500

East Jackson holds off Dawson for win

A touchdown pass from Evan Williamson to Cody Gibbs with four minutes left on the clock boosted the East Jackson Eagles ahead of Dawson County Friday night, giving the Eagles their third region victory of the year.

But with the celebration now behind them, East Jackson has to face the 8-AA region champs, the Jefferson Dragons, to round out their season Friday night.

Only the most ardent of Eagle believers are expecting victory number four for East Jackson to come from this pairing. However, it could prove a very good chance for the young team to learn from a team that has gone undefeated this year and is one of the favorites going into the post season.

On paper, the differences are pretty vast. The Dragons have scored 338 total points this season, an average of 37.6 per game, while the Eagles have scored 143, an average of 15.9 per game. East Jackson has allowed 220 points to be scored against them, an average of 24.4 per game, while the Dragons have allowed about half that, 112 total for a 12.4 per game average.

But with the Dragons sure to be looking ahead at the big picture, and with the region title sewed up with their win Friday against North Oconee, Jefferson could choose a conservative path, looking at the playoff picture rather than a potential in-county rivalry. If they do take that path, that could open the door for East Jackson to pull off a huge upset on Friday night.

Stranger things have happened in football.

Kickoff in Nicholson Friday night is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Commerce News or The Jackson Herald.

It's over: now what to write about?

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:19:00 -0500

It’s finally over.

True, I write this before the Nov. 4 election, so it is possible that as you read this the lawyers for one of the presidential candidates are instigating a challenge in Florida, Pennsylvania or New Mexico.

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Nicholson enacts zoning

nospam@example.com (Sharon Hogan) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:05:00 -0500

The Nicholson City Council approved its first-ever zoning ordinance Monday night but not before it changed the proposed zoning on 11.43 acres.

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Commerce Enjoying Late-Season Surge

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:48:31 -0500

As the weather gets cooler, the Commerce Tigers seem to be getting warmer.

After a 2-5 start in a grueling early-season schedule, Commerce players are now reveling in a winning streak for the first time all year.

Commerce (4-5, 3-2) heads into Friday’s regular season finale seeking its third-straight win following consecutive wins over Lakeview Academy and Social Circle.

“We were fired up,” Tiger senior Chase Bowen said after the Social Circle game. “We needed back-to-back wins. We hadn’t had that all season. We had a real good game tonight (Friday) and we’re excited about that.”

The 21-7 victory over Social Circle moved the Tigers into third place in Region 8-A and gave Commerce its 12th win in 14 tries over Social Circle.

“Aw, man, I was really proud of them,” Tiger coach Steve Savage said. “It was a big win ... They just kept fighting all night and finally got something going.”

The Tigers hope to keep those things going Friday night as they take on a Prince Avenue (3-5-1, 1-4) team that nearly upset Commerce last fall.

“They’ve got a real good tailback, got two big tackles that block well and play pretty good defense,” Savage said. “They gave us problems last year, and it’s almost the same football team.”

A win would move Commerce to 5-5. It’s rare that Savage looks fondly at the prospect of a .500 record, but considering the schedule Commerce has played, a 5-5 campaign would certainly have its merits.

“I never thought I would say 5-5 would be good, but it’s really good for this football team,” Savage said. “We played some good teams early and knew it was going to be tough.”

The 20th-year coach also notes the significance of closing out the regular season strong.

“If we can get this one, we’ve got ourselves on a roll at the right time of the year,” Savage said.

And that time of the year would be the state playoffs.

In addition to a .500 record, a victory Friday night would secure Commerce a no. 3 seed out of the region.

That would — in all likelihood — pit the team against Region 7-A no. 2 seed Wilkinson County.

But the Tigers were only thinking about Prince Avenue and extending their winning streak following the victory over Social Circle.

“We’re just going to take it one game at a time, come out here in practice, get a good game plan in and try to pick up another victory,” running back Deon Orsborne said.

Bowen echoed those statements nearly verbatim.

“We just take it one week at a time here at Commerce,” he said. “We take it one week at a time, one game at a time.”

Reclaiming State Supremacy?

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:46:05 -0500

Cheer Tigers Gun For First State Title In Three Years

Fresh off an easy win at region, Commerce’s competitive cheerleading squad has its sights set on knocking off defending state champion Trion Saturday at the state meet in Columbus.

The cheer Tigers are seeking their first Class A title in three years.

“It’s going to be interesting and challenging,” coach Dianne Cotrell said. “I feel like we are ready and we do have the skills.”
The cheer Tigers scored a 222 at region this past weekend, beating second-place Hebron Christian by 26 points.

Once the undisputed champions of the Class A cheerleading ranks, the Tigers — owner of five state titles — have had to settle for a pair of runner-up showings and a third-place finish the past three trips to Columbus.

Not that Cotrell is in anyway displeased with being right there in the running the last three years, but she said the cheer Tigers are definitely motivated to reclaim what’s been lost the past three seasons.

“It’s something we’ve been striving for,” said Cotrell, whose teams won four consecutive titles from 2002-2005. “But we all know that every it gets more and more difficult because every team gets more and more skilled.”

The coach — whose program first won state in 2000 — feels her team has improved as the year has progressed and has benefited from strict judging this fall, making the routine sharper.

Those factors, she hopes, mean more points at state.

And by the looks of it, the team the cheer Tigers will have to out-point is Trion, which edged Bremen by one point for last year’s state title.

Cotrell noted that Commerce’s routine is on par with Trion’s in all categories, which means it comes down to a matter of execution Saturday.

“I think we’ve got a shot,” Cotrell said.

Thomas Leads Tigers At Region

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:40:56 -0500

ATHENS — Ethan Thomas ran a 22:19 Thursday at the region meet at Athens Academy, leading all Commerce runners in their final event of the season.

Thomas finished 36th in a field of 48 as the Tigers placed last in 8-A with 204 points behind Athens Christian (32 points), Prince Avenue (39), Athens Academy (69), Hebron Christian (88), Towns County (140) and Lakeview Academy (191).

“We all ran pretty well,” coach Mark Hale said. “I enjoyed coaching these runners. They were a good group.”

Commerce has just one participant in the girls’ race, Hannah Duckett, who finished 25th out of 29 with a time of 25:43.

Following Thomas in the boys’ race were Zach Scannell (40th, 24:23), Zan Peek (41st, 25:02), Juan Toribio (43rd, 25:11), Cody Nation (44th, 26:00) and Johnathan Leffew (46th, 27:19).

The Tigers’ top five ran the 3.1-mile course in an average time of 24:35.

Athens Christian edged out Prince Avenue for the boys’ region title, despite running a slower average time (18:32) than the Wolverines (18:23). However, the Eagles were buoyed by a course-record 16:26 from region individual champion Colin Bishoff.

Bishoff finished 43 seconds ahead of second-place Ian Rogan of Prince Avenue (17:09).

Athens Christian also won the girls’ team region title, beating out Athens Academy by just two points, 37-39.

Snatch-and-grab thief gets $1,000 necklace

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:31:08 -0500

Seventy-five percent off wasn’t a deep enough discount for one shopper at the Zale’s Diamond Outlet at the Tanger Factory Outlet Center.

Continue reading "Snatch-and-grab thief gets $1,000 necklace"

Solid red: no Obama coattails in Jackson

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:38:24 -0500

America may have elected Barack Obama president in a landslide Tuesday, but the Democrat’s coattails did not extend to Georgia, and certainly not to Jackson County.

Continue reading "Solid red: no Obama coattails in Jackson"

Racers Prepare For 25th World Crown at Peach State Sunday

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:00:00 -0500

With 25 years of history, drivers from all around the country are preparing to travel to Peach State Speedway in Jefferson this weekend to take part in the World Crown weekend, with the highlight being an opportunity to add your name to the list of winners, including Darrell Waltrip, Dick Trickle, Rick Crawford and three-time winner Paul Kelley.

Drivers from New York, Colorado, Maine and around the southeast are entered to compete for the right to wear the coveted crown in victory lane, and to take home the Rob Joyce Memorial trophy.

For some, there’s no such thing as too much practice as they get ready for the World Crown.

2008 Georgia Asphalt Series Five Star Wheels Rookie of the Year T.J. Reaid hit the track last week to work to dial his car in for the big event. The Acworth native says he feels confident going into the Nov. 9 event.

“We’re trying some stuff here today that we’ve messed around with at the shop that we think may help us.”

Click on the video above to see a preview of this weekend's World Crown 300
Video courtesy Lyn Sengupta

Reaid won his first late model event at New Senoia Raceway back on Aug. 16, and would like to make the World Crown his second win.

For Royston’s Jeremy Rice, Sunday’s World Crown represents an opportunity to end his season on a high note.

“We didn’t make the last race at Lanier due to fuel problems,” Rice said. “We’ve had problems the last few months, but we think we’ve finally gotten it fixed. We hope to have a good showing all weekend.”

It will be Rice’s first appearance of the year at Peach State.

Seventeen-year-old James Nealis is a two-and-a-half year Pro Late Model veteran. The Gainesville area driver says he enjoys coming to Peach State to compete, and the history of the World Crown is not lost on him.

Gainesville’s James Nealis said his game plan for the World Crown is to dominate from start to finish.

“It’s very important,” Nealis said. “At the beginning of the year, we built this car with the hopes of making it with this same car to this race. About a month ago, we stopped and I tore the car down and rebuilt it just for next weekend with the hope that we can come out and win.”

Reaid said there’s definite importance to winning an event with a rich history of the World Crown, where drivers will be racing in the tire tracks of racing legends.

“With that caliber of drivers, it is kind of awesome to know they were here,” he said. “It means a lot to drivers to run races like this and win.

“It would be awesome. To be rookie of the year and to win the World Crown would be a real plus on my resume.”

Rice echoed those sentiments.

“It’s real important,” he said. “This would mean a lot to me and to everybody on crew. A lot of big names have won this race. It’s one of the biggest events you can win.”

Nealis made it clear how he intends to approach the World Crown.

“When we come here Thursday, we want to dominate. We want to sit on the pole and take the win.”

The only problem is that everyone else will have the same game plan.

This is the view that Jeremy Rice hopes the entire field has of him on Sunday as he looks for his first win in the World Crown.

The World Crown weekend kicks off on Friday with heats and features by the local Mini Stock, Sportsman and Renegade classes beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday features the 100 lap U.S Auto Sales 100 for Super Late Models, as well as an Open Wheel Modified event, the Super Truck division and the Pro Challenge touring series. Racing begins at 7 p.m.

Sunday’s World Crown festivities begin on Sunday with an autograph session for the fans at noon, with racing beginning at 2 p.m. Along with the World Crown Pro Late Model event, a 50 lap Outlaw Late Model race will also be held. Racing begins at 2 p.m.

For more information about the World Crown weekend, check online at www.peachstspeedway.com, or call 706-387-7490.

Jackson County Election Results

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:52:00 -0500

As of 12:25 a.m., with 18 of 18 precincts reporting. Further updates will be made as results are announced by county officials.

President of the United States	Votes
John McCain President Sarah Palin Vice-President (Republican)	17,772
Barack Obama President Joe Biden Vice-President (Democrat)	4,947
Bob Barr President Wayne A. Root Vice-President (Libertarian)	215
Other	0

United States Senate	Votes
Saxby Chambliss (Incumbent Republican)	15,765
Jim Martin (Democrat)	5,414
Allen Buckley (Libertarian)	1,048
Other	0

U.S. Congress District 10	Votes
Paul Broun (Incumbent Republican)	16,166
Bobby Saxon (Democrat)	5,964
Other	0

State Senator District 47	Votes
Ralph T. Hudgens (Incumbent Republican)	13,275
Tim Riley (Democrat)	4,715
Other	0

Eagles take Dawson Co. 28-21

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:46:07 -0500

A touchdown pass from Evan Willimson to Cody Gibbs with four minutes left on the clock boosted the East Jackson Eagles ahead of Dawson County Friday night.

An Eagle intercpetion of a Dawson County pass put East Jackson in the driver's seat, as they ended the game with a 28-21 victory, their third win of the year.

East Jackson will close out their season Friday as they play host to the region champion Jefferson Dragons.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Commerce News.

Letter: GOP using scare tactics in election

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:40:00 -0500

Editor:

You may or may not remember me now. I graduated from CHS last year and I am currently a freshman at the University of Georgia. I am in Athens three days a week, but return frequently. When I returned and read the article about the McCain-Palin rally last week, I felt compelled to write. The hatred and downright disrespect demonstrated in the excerpts are magnificent illustrations of the overall tone and tenor of the McCain campaign and its supporters.

Continue reading "Letter: GOP using scare tactics in election"

74-yd TD strike helps lead CHS over Social Circle

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:46:56 -0400

Deon Orsborne is doing his part to dispel any myth that Commerce is a one-dimensional football team.

The dual-threat Tiger running back hauled in a 74-yard touchdown pass from Cody Streetman Friday in the second quarter to put Commerce (4-5, 3-2) ahead for good en route to a 21-7 win over Social Circle.

“A lot of people have been saying we can’t do anything but run the ball, so we ran one of my favorite plays,” Orsborne of the touchdown strike.

The Tigers and the Redskins were tied 7-7 with five minutes left in the first half when Orsborne broke open over the middle and Streetman threw a strike. Orsborne caught the ball, sprinted to the end zone and Commerce never looked back in earning a key region win.

“I was just wide open and happened to be there,” Orsborne said.
The quarterback did a good job of putting it out there. I just went and got it.”

Called into duty again for an injured Phillip Edwards, Streetman had another big night. The freshman quarterback finished 3-of-9 with 127 yards through the air. That total included a 42-yard completion to Carl Allen.

An aerial show is now becoming something of a habit for Orsborne and Streetman, who have now connected for a touchdown in excess of 70 yards two weeks in a row.

Orsborne’s secret?

“I don’t know — just play, thank God for my talent and do what I can to help my team,” said Orsborne, who also had a huge night on the ground, running for 101 yards and a score.

The Tigers put the game out of reach with a 35-yard touchdown from Jon Cash in the fourth quarter as Commerce posted 21 unanswered points to rally from a 7-0 deficit. The win moved Commerce to 3-2 in the region and into third place in the standings.

The Tigers seemed plenty excited about the way they’re playing now, trading multiple chest bumps in a festive post-game huddle.
“We finally got two (wins) in a row,” Orsborne said. “We came out here and did what we had to do.”

Eight seconds into the game, a second-straight win was in doubt, though, when Social Circle ran back the opening kickoff 80 yards.

However, the Redskins enjoyed few highlights thereafter as they were held to just 108 total yards by a swarming Commerce defense.

Josh Streetman led the Tiger effort with 10 tackles, while Cameron Billings had two sacks and six stops in his final game in front of the home crowd. Austin Hanley also had eight tackles and a sack in his last game at Tiger Stadium.

Senior Chase Bowen credited Commerce’s defensive success to a great week of preparation.

“We just practiced that offensive scheme that they ran,” he said. “We just practiced it to death. One day we practiced until about 7 o’clock.”

The Tigers will look for another good week of practice now as they head into the regular season finale. Commerce can finish at .500 and clinch a no. 3 seed in the state playoffs with a win next week over Prince Avenue.

“We’re just going to take it one game at a time, come out here in practice, get a good game plan in and try to pick up another victory,” Orsborne said.

RUSHING: Orsborne 23-101-1 TD; Cash 13-80-1 TD
PASSING: C. Streetman 3-of-9, 127 yards, 1TD
DEFENSE: J. Streetman 10 tackles; Billings 6 tackles, 2 sacks; Hanley 8 tackles

One vote for ending the war in Iraq

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:23:00 -0400

By Mark Beardsley

For all of the anger and ignorance, for all the meanness and hatred being expressed, I think we have the two best nominees for president we’ve been offered in years.

I’m voting for Obama, but there are a lot of things about McCain that I like.

Continue reading "One vote for ending the war in Iraq"

Education panel visits East Jackson Elementary School

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:44:00 -0400

More than 50 educators and other "stakeholders" representing business, government, education and citizen groups visited East Jackson Elementary School Thursday to see an example of a school that is "doing things right."
Continue reading "Education panel visits East Jackson Elementary School"

One injured in Friday morning wreck

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:23:47 -0400

A Commerce man was transported to a local hospital Friday morning after a wreck at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Georgia Highway 98 at about 10:30.
Continue reading "One injured in Friday morning wreck"

Eagles prepare for region; take 1st, 2nd in MainStreet Invitational

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:34:00 -0400

The East Jackson Eagles cross country team continued to perform well as they move towards the 8-AA region meet this weekend at Riverside Military Academy.

First, the boys defended their 2007 title in the MainStreet Invitational held at East Jackson last Tuesday, while the girls placed second out of six schools competing.

Then on Saturday, the boys placed 13th out of 24 teams taking part in the Last Chance meet in Carrolton, while the girls finished seventh out of 16 teams.

In the MainStreet Invitational, East Jackson’s boys had four runners in the top ten, with a total of 75 runners taking part.

Brandon Banks took the top spot, with a school record time of 17:45.

Kevin Kesler placed fourth with a 18:08; Terry Miller placed sixth with a personal best of 18:13; senior Andy Van Deventer placed ninth in his final home meet with a 19:17; senior Chris White placed 12th in his final home meet with a 19:35; Eric Van Deventer placed 15th with a 19:49; Josh Kesler placed 16th with a 19:59; Jon Mead finished 27th with a 20:38; Kent Edwards placed 32nd with a 20:49 (PB); Stuart Robinett placed 34th with a 21:13; Edward Stone placed 35th with a 21:25; Adrian Woodruff placed 41st with a 22:01; John Kesler placed 44th with a 22:20; Kyle Wood placed 46th with a 23:01; Joseph Cook finished 50th with a 23:34(PB); and Luke Derochers placed 64th with a 25:32.

The girls finished second only to Jefferson, outperforming Jackson County, Banks County, Madison County and Commerce.

Individually, Sherri Blalock placed third overall out of 47 runners with a 21:05.

Kassie Mull placed fifth with a 22:11 (PB); senior Hope Boggs, in her last home meet, finished 13th with a 23:36; Amanda Anderson placed 16th with a 24:12; Skyler Cozzens placed 18th with a 24:25; Dakota Chandler placed 23rd with a 25:14; Brittany Blackwell placed 30th with a 27:48; Alexis Powell finished 32nd with a 27:42; Courtney Clark placed 34th with a 28:15; Jessie Harper placed 36th with a 28:38; and Aubrey Cozzens placed 40th with a 29:54.

Up next was Saturday’s meet in Carrollton. Kevin Kesler was the top runner for the boys out of 209 that participated, placing 22nd with a time of 17:49.

Other finishers included Brandon Banks with an 18:40; Chris White with a 19:38; Andy Van Deventer with a 20:03; Josh Kesler with a 20:15; Eric Van Deventer with a 20:16; Blake Allbright with a 20:22; Kyle Wood with a 22:01; Kent Edwards with a 22:09; and Edward Stone with a 22:56.

For the girls, Sherri Blalock placed tenth out of 129 runners with a time of 21:01.

Other finishers included Kassie Mull with a 22:53; Hope Boggs with a 24:26: Skyler Cozzens with a 24:35; Amanda Anderson with a 24:52; Dakota Chandler with a 25:16; and Aubrey Cozzens with a 30:19.

Copper thieves do $50,000 in damage

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:55:00 -0400

Copper thieves made off with a quantity of copper and did an estimated $50,000 in damage to a Commerce building last week.

Continue reading "Copper thieves do $50,000 in damage"

East Jackson to host Dawson County Fri. night

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:25:00 -0400

If the 7-1 North Oconee Titans had expected to pick up an easy win Friday night, they had a big surprise awaiting them when they hit the field.

A stout East Jackson defense stood in the Titans’ way, making them fight for every yard, and setting up what could have been one of the biggest upsets in the region.

Only a field goal in the first quarter gave North Oconee slight breathing room, and that nearly didn’t happen, as the 33-yard kick hit the crossbar of the goalpost, but managed to make it through.

Meanwhile East Jackson found its offense mired in place as well, and North Oconee squeaked out a 3-0 win.

Now the Eagles look towards their next opponent, and another opportunity to get themselves another check in the win column, as they play host to the Tigers of Dawson County on Friday.

Dawson County enters Friday night with a 2-5 region record, and 3-5 overall. It is fresh off of a 17-14 win over Union County, and hopes to bring that momentum into East Jackson.

Side by side, Dawson County does have a slight advantage. The Tigers have scored a total of 139 points this season to East Jackson’s 115, a 17.4 per game advantage to a 14.4.

Dawson has also allowed fewer points, 172 to the Eagles’ 199.

But if anything has been learned from Friday night, it’s that East Jackson can turn up the wick on its game, and bring added intensity when it needs to.

Kickoff Friday night is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

For more on this story, read Wednesday's edition of The Commerce News or The Jackson Herald.

Heavy voter turnout expected as campagin nears end

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:06:00 -0400

The end is near — the end of a long, long presidential campaign, that is.

Record numbers of voters are expected to go to the polls next week. Indeed, 20 percent of Jackson County’s voters have already cast their ballots, thanks to early and advance voting opportunities.

Continue reading "Heavy voter turnout expected as campagin nears end"

Endoresement: Bobby Saxon is best choice in 10th District

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:18:00 -0400

He’s running something of a long-shot campaign, but Jackson County resident and Iraq war veteran Bobby Saxon would be a vast improvement over incumbent Paul Broun representing Jackson County in the 10th Congressional District.

Continue reading "Endoresement: Bobby Saxon is best choice in 10th District"

Commerce holding special election Tuesday

nospam@example.com (Mark Beardsley) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:13:00 -0400

Voters who live in Commerce will have to vote in two different places Tuesday to fully participate in the elections.

Continue reading "Commerce holding special election Tuesday"

A lot riding on Tigers-‘Skins game

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:58:27 -0400

Commerce might be looking up at Social Circle in the region standings, but don’t think the Tigers are only weighing the region implications of Friday’s game with the Redskins.

“It’s a big game for us – not just for that,” coach Steve Savage said.
For starters, Commerce (3-5, 2-2) hasn’t won back-to-back region games all year. The Tigers can change that Friday.

Commerce also hopes to defend the Tiger Stadium turf on Senior Night when 14 12th graders play their final games in front of the home folks.

What’s more, the Tigers are gunning for a three-game winning streak to close the season following a 2-5 start, the program’s worst since 1992.

“Right now, we’re just hoping to get to .500 and win the last two games,” junior Tiger running back Jon Cash said.

Commerce took the first step toward .500 Friday by romping 47-7 over Lakeview Academy (See story on page 3B).

“Our team has steadily improved all year,” Savage said. “You can’t tell it by our record, but they’ve improved.”

Which brings the Tigers to this Friday’s game with Social Circle.
If Commerce wins, it would control its own destiny toward earning a no. 3 seed out of the region in the state playoffs, thereby avoiding having to play the region champions of Region 7-A in the first round.
But to do that, the Tigers must get by what Savage calls a “typical Social Circle team.”

The Redskins (5-3, 3-1) boast several big lineman and offensive backs, “that can run real fast,” the coach said. Social Circle’s quarterback also runs well, throws a decent ball and “does a good job of leading his team,” Savage said.

Commerce has won 11 out of 13 games in this series. But the key to getting victory no. 12 over the Redskins is making sure that their skill players don’t get too much open space in which to use their speed.

“Not letting them get too many big plays,” Savage said. “They’re going to get some. They’ve got too much speed to shut them down on that. And, offensively -- don’t turn the ball over, make some first downs and we’ve got to score … We can’t let them get too far ahead of us.”

Peaking For The Postseason

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:55:33 -0400

CHS’s Best Routine Of Year Comes Right Before Region

The cheer Tigers might have scored higher this year. But they haven’t performed better than they did Saturday.

At least that was coach Dianne Cotrell’s assessment of her team’s 236-point, first place performance in the Northeast Georgia Championships at Winder-Barrow High School. The region meet lies ahead this weekend.

“It was just a perfect day,” Cotrell said of the win.

Commerce won the Class A division by 30 points, beating Social Circle, Lincoln County, Washington-Wilkes and Hebron Christian Academy.

Commerce scored a 244 in its second meet of the year, but Cotrell said this was the superior performance.

“I don’t think we performed as well (in that meet) as we did on Saturday,” Cotrell said.

The coach explained that the season-high score came while performing under “level 2” difficulty. Since then, the cheer Tigers have sharpened their routine and added more difficulty, performing at “level 3” on Saturday.

Now, Commerce takes the more tasking routine to the region meet at Mill Creek High School where it hopes to qualify for the state meet.

Speaking of the state meet, Cotrell said that Bremen and Trion appear to be the teams to beat in Class A while Gordon Lee is another contender for the crown.

The cheer Tigers finished third at state last year.

In other good news for the Commerce cheerleading program, the middle school squad closed out its first competitive cheerleading schedule with a first-place finish at Winder-Barrow. The CMS squad beat 10 other teams Saturday.

“I was proud of my middle school team, too,” Cotrell said.

Tiger Cross Country Season Nearing End Of The Trail

nospam@example.com (MainStreetNewsSports) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:52:35 -0400

It’s the now or never portion of the season.

The Commerce cross country team hopes to clock its best times of the year when it runs in the Region 8-A meet Thursday at Athens Academy.

Commerce last ran eight days ago in the MainStreet Newspapers meet last Tuesday, finishing last in a six-team event. The meet comprised schools in the MainStreet coverage area.

Ethan Thomas led the pack for Commerce, finishing 36th overall with a time of 21:36. Rounding out the scoring for the Tigers were Zach Scannell (51st, 23:42), Juan Toribio (52nd, 23:59), Johnathan Leffew (58th, 24:31) and Zan Peek (62nd, 25:15). Also competing was Cody Nation (67th, 26:29).

Commerce, which tallied a 259, finished behind East Jackson (32), Banks County (51), Jackson County (76), Jefferson (86) and Madison County (103).

Commerce had just one girl — Hanna Duckett — compete, thus eliminating it from compiling a team score in the girls’ standings. Duckett finished 25th overall with a time of 25:18.