The Tigers enter 2022 with hopes of getting closer to the 2020 version (11-win, Quarterfinals) than the still-solid 2021 edition (6-win, round one). Mark Hollars guides the program into his second year, and saw many new players take the next step last season after plenty left from the following season. The region has an all-new look, led by Rabun County, who steps down into 8-A Division-I. In a 4-team football region, playoffs are guaranteed for Commerce for the 26th straight season.

Head Coach: Mark Hollars, 2nd season
2021 Record: 6-5; State Rnd 1; #4 State Ranking

“We expect to improve each week throughout the season and be in a position to compete for region title and make a playoff run,” states Hollars.

2022 Schedule

AUG 19 @ SOUTHSIDE CHRISTIAN (SC)

AUG 26 vs MURPHY (NC)

SEP 2 vs HEBRON CHRISTIAN

SEP 9 BYE

SEP 16 vs LINCOLN COUNTY

SEP 23 @ BANKS COUNTY

SEP 30 @ FIRST PRESBYTERIAN DAY

OCT 7 @ SOCIAL CIRCLE

OCT 14 @ ATHENS CHRISTIAN^

OCT 21 vs ELBERT COUNTY^

OCT 28 @ RABUN COUNTY^

NOV 4 BYE

^REGION 8-A DIV I GAME

Personnel & Schemes

Key Departures: Dreylan Martin, Mason Gaddis, Trey Garnto, Collin Hall, Lambdin Hardy

No doubt about it, Martin’s 1,000-plus total yards will be missed, and Gaddis, an All-State lineman, will also be hard to replace.

Key Returning Players: Jaiden Daniels, Malachi Shockey, Cole Hill, Jackson Morris, Hampton Hutto, Coleson Smith, Caleb Lovin, Colton Hill

Daniels headlines the returning cast. Despite not starting til a few weeks in, he finished with 1,425 yards as one of the state’s top rushers. The sophomore is poised to be even better this season. He might just put up one of the best seasons we have seen at the RB position. Malachi Shockey will be a great complimentary piece, as he tallied 346 yards of his own. Cole Hill’s 80-plus tackles along with Jackson Morris’ standout defense makes for a solid core to build around. Hampton Hutto had a huge year as well, and his contributions will be pivotal.

Up & Coming Players: Jacari Huff, Jack Fagan, Tommy Durham, Tysean Wiggins, Michael Duncan, Cohen Thomason

Commerce always seems to churn out new talent, so this list although mostly unknown at the time, will certainly be able to be filled once a couple of games get played. We think Jacari Huff might be a name to look out for.

According to Hollards, Fagan (SR DE/FB) has worked hard to return from injuries and should be able to impact the team on both sides of the ball this year. He is a physical high energy player. Durman (SR OT) has paid his dues and has the opportunity to contribute to the OLine this season. Wiggins (SO FB) is a big physical runner who the Tigers are working hard with to prepare him for Friday night football. He is starting to understand the level of detail for Friday football. Huff (SO RB/OLB) has the ability to make big plays that can change a game. He can help in many phases. Duncan (SO OL/DL), who is nicknamed ‘Big Mike’ has worked hard in the weight room and is poised for a breakout year.

Offense: Triple Option Based

“We have three players battling for the starting QB job,” says Hollars. “Coleson Smith, Hudson Thomason and John Paul Allen. Jaiden Daniels returns after rushing for over 1,400 yds last season. Cohen Thomason is the go to WR.”

Defense: Multiple

The defense took a major blow with the graduation of guys like Hardy, Hall, and Martin. However, Daniels, Shockey, Morris, and Hill will be DUDES on that side of the ball; as are Colton Hill and Caleb Lovin.

Trenches: Last year, the group was largely inexperienced and led by All-State talent Gaddis. He’s gone, as is Hardy, who helped anchored the OL. The cupboard is far from bare though.

“This should be the strength of our team,” states Hollars. “We have a strong group in this area.”

Strengths & Areas of Focus

Strengths: Commitment. The players are committed to the process once again, and their reputation proceeds itself. You don’t earn a reputation for nothing – this is a program that for a quarter of a century has been in the playoffs.

“Our ability to run the football,” says Hollars of the team’s strength. “We have the potential to have a strong OL with Jaiden Daniels returning to the lineup as a top flight running back.”

Focusing On: “We have stressed the importance of knowing who we are and playing in a manner that supports our strengths,” adds Hollars.

GAME-BY-GAME & SEASON PREDICTIONS FOR COMMERCE