On Thursday afternoon, it was a big-time performance by Commerce’s Brandon Martin (16:16), as he PRed and guided the team to an area title while also taking the top podium spot. He beat out teammates Demarco Hernandez (2nd, 17:00) and JJ Morris (3rd, 17:37).

The Tigers posted a score of 36, besting Towns County’s 55, as the Indians came in second place. Liam King (17:52/PR) led Towns with a 5th-place run, just ahead of teammate Jenson Brown (18:01). Commerce and Towns both advance to the state qualifier meet.

On the girls’ side, Commerce finished third and Towns fourth. For Commerce, it was Paden Bell taking the top spot in the area with a 21:21 time that was 8 seconds ahead of the next competitor. Towns County’s Alison Markham finished 6th to lead the Lady Indians with a 23:20 time.