It had been a while since my last trip to Commerce High School.
I was there in December 2000 when the Tigers beat Buford to win the Class A state championship. It was the second time Commerce beat Buford that season. That Commerce team also beat Lincoln County twice that season.
High School Football Scoreboard Show - Friday Night 7-12
Steve Savage, who coached that team, just happened to be at practice getting a look at the 2022 Tigers. Mark Hollars is beginning his second season. "We are in Year 2," says Hollars.
"I got hired in May of 2021 and if you don't know the kids there is not a trust relationship," said Hollars. "Now we have known each other for a year, so it feel like we are singing from the same hymnal."
The 2021 Tigers went 6-5 and continued a postseason appearance streak that goes all the way back to 1997. A strong corps of experienced players returns for 2022.
"We have a good group of seniors leading the way," says Hollars. "They understand that leadership is about more than yelling at guys. You have to walk the walk first and earn the respect of your teammates. I think they have done a good job of that.”
Commerce will be making the adjustment to their new, region 9-1A Division 1. It promises to be a challenging season.
"We have great chance in the region," says Hollars. "We got Rabun County, Elbert County, and Athens Christion, all new teams and we are excited about it. We open with Southside Christian out of South Carolina. They have won three of the last four state championships. It's a little step up for our region, so we wanted to be preparing for that.
Related
"Don't forget that Year 2 of the High School Football Scoreboard Show debuts Friday August 19 on 92.9 the Game and Audacy.