JEFFERSON -- Think Jefferson wanted this one back?
Commerce handed the Dragons their only loss of the 2012 season, but Jefferson took a sizable revenge in Friday's season opener, hammering the Tigers 40-0 at Memorial Stadium.
Commerce (0-1) managed just 80 yards of offense in the contest, compared with 419 for the Dragons (1-0).
The game also saw the debut of Jefferson quarterback Evan Shirreffs, and the junior showed he is indeed ready for the role his brother, Bryant, excelled in last season.
Taking over for the Dragons as starter, Evan Shirreffs torched Commerce for 253 yards passing and four touchdowns, while also rushing for a 46-yard score. Shirreffs completed 17 of 28 attempts on the night, hooking up with Tristen Jackson for three of the scores. Dalton Hill also hauled in two touchdown passes, while Isaiah Blake also had a rushing score.
Meanwhile, Jefferson's defense shut down Commerce's option attack, led by 12 tackles from Maverick McKinney. Tradd Porter also had 10 stops, while Tyler Bowen had a sack and forced fumble.
Jefferson will look to keep rolling next week against another rival, traveling to Jackson County.
Commerce will look to bounce back at home next week against East Jackson.