Commerce aims to out-physical and out-team opponents

COMMERCE, Ga. — If there's one that never changes in Commerce, it's the Tigers' offensive philosophy. 

A heavy dose of the run game has been a staple at Commerce for many years, and in 2023, it's no surprise the Tigers will lean on their rushing attack, and why not? Commerce rushed for over 3,200 yards in 2022 and has a trio of speedy running backs returning. 

"We've got a good problem. We have great running back depth," head coach Mark Hollars said. 

All-AccessWDUN first-teamer Jaiden Daniels, who rushed for over 1,400 yards and has 33 TDs in two seasons, returns to lead the run game. Tysean Wiggins broke the 1,000-yard rushing mark last season, and Jakari Huff wasn't too far behind. 

"I think Jakari gets thrown under the radar a little bit," he said. "He's a good football player capable of doing it on both sides. Jaiden has been that workhorse, but this year, Jaiden is going to be playing a role on both sides of the ball. So, they'll share the load this year. But they're both explosive and hungry." 

Juniors Wesley Usher, Mack Mullis and Payton Evans also will see time in the backfield. 

Junior quarterback, John Paul Allen returns to make it all go on offense. 

"He's a QB that understands how the offensive works," Hollars said. He's developed and has been working hard. It's great to have a QB that has been in the heat of battle. He's a competitor. He competes."

Defensively, the Tigers will be a bit more inexperienced.  

Hollar's defensive philosophy is a physical, flying-around, attacking defense.

"We're growing into it," Hollars said. "How fast kids mature and grow is going to be key for us. They have a great attitude. They come out and do what we're asking them every day. The bottom line is we've got to keep growing. I think our defense can be just as good as our offense by the end of the year."

GRADUATION STINGS
The Tigers lost B-back Malachi Shockey, B-back Jack Fagan, WR/CB Cohen Thomason, OL Hampton Hutto, OL Jonathan Orozco, ILB Cole Hill, LB Colton Hill, DL Talon Carroll, S Caleb Lovin, Jackson Morris to graduation.

IT'S A DOWNHILL THING
The Tigers won't be just an option team. They'll run a power formation out of the I-formation, allowing them to attack both sides of the field without motioning. 
The offense will be explosive, with a solid backfield and quarterback returning. Upfront, Hollars says the offensive line – Joey Duncan, Dante Smith, Logan Gunner, Michael Duncan and Braxton Epps – is progressing and starting to jell together. 

"We have a lot of experience returning on offense," he said. "We're excited about them. We averaged about 27 points per game last year and have a lot of kids back this year."

OLD SCHOOL DEFENSE
The Tigers have a lot of new faces on the defensive side of the ball but have the potential to be really good, according to Hollars. They'll be an old-school, attacking defense. As Hollars says, "We're not a sit-and-react defense." Matthew Duncan and Pat Mintz, Dante Smith, and Brahn Barnett return to lead the defensive line, and first-year seniors Hoke Poe and D'Kane Williams have turned heads at linebacker. Mac Mullis, Jakari Huff and Jaiden Daniels will be in the secondary.

"This group is a little more inexperienced," Hollars said. "But I believe it can be just as good as our offense by the end of the year. It depends on how fast our kids mature and grow throughout the season." 

REAL BROTHERHOOD, EXPLOSIVE OFFENSE, DEFENSIVE STYLE 
The Tigers have several strengths heading into the season. Of course, the offense is at the top of the list. With Jaiden Daniels, Jakari Huff and John Paul Allen returning, the offense has several weapons. The defense may have its fair share of inexperience, but Hollars says the blitz-minded squad should make up for their inexperience with how they attack. Hollars also says this team is close and shares common goals. 

BUT THERE ARE QUESTIONS
In Class A football, depth is always a concern. It's no different for the Tigers. Hollars says developing depth is going to be key. "As the season goes on, how does our second string develop and grow," he said. "That's going to be a big challenge for us to develop that depth." 

A BRUTAL SCHEDULE
Commerce plays Southside Christian and Murphy (NC) to open the season before a battle against a 3A playoff team in Hebron Christian, and it doesn't get easier from there.

"Of the 10 teams we play, six won nine games or more in 2022," said Hollars. "The winning percentage was over .650, so we know we are going to be challenged from the start all the way through."
Their region schedule includes Rabun County, which made it to the Class 2A quarterfinals last season, and Elbert County will be at the end of the regular season as the final test before the playoffs start.
For the Tigers to make it through the gauntlet, Hollars says not only will they have to impose their will physically, but they will also have to "out-team" their opponents every week.

"For us, 'out-teaming' someone means that we are building a culture and mindset here where when we run on the field on a Friday night, every person in a Commerce uniform matters. Everyone has value, whether they touch the ball or even get into the game.

WHAT'S TRENDING?
The Tigers return one of the most explosive backfields in Northeast Georgia. With Jakari Huff and Jaiden Daniels leading the way, the Tigers will be hard to slow down on offense. While the Tigers may set rushing records and points scored in a game, the defense is a work in progress, but no worries, Hollars has the improvement in fast-track mode. Look for the Tigers to push Rabun County for the top spot in the region. 

Walker McCrary contributed to this story.