by David Claybourn 11/30/00
Herald Banner Sports Editor
COMMERCE - One big reason the Commerce Tigers are 12-0 in 2000 has been the play of the play of the defense, which has recorded six shutouts.
"We've played great defense all year long," said Commerce head coach Steve Bragg.
The Tigers gave up just 56 points in the regular season and has allowed only 21 points to two very potent offenses in the playoffs.
Commerce gave up just 137 yards to Wills Point during a 17-7 bi-district victory. Wills Point had been averaging 345 yards per game.
The Tigers limited Gainesville to 161 yards last week in a 27-14 area victory. Gainesville running back Bart Beck, who'd rushed for 348 yards the previous week, managed only 50 yards on 23 carries against the Tigers.
"What we're trying to do is take away what people do best," said Bragg.
Senior defensive back Antonio Kull, one of the defensive leaders, attributed the defense's success to experience. Some of the Tigers have appeared in 28 games during the past two seasons. All victories.
"In the state game our front five were all underclassmen," he said.
Commerce downed Sealy 17-10 in last year's Division II, 3A state championship game.
Kull said the players know what to do.
"Plus we all work well together," he said.
Kull said the defensive staff including Bill Draughn (coordinator and works with the secondary), Don Madden (linebackers), Jeff Davidson (defensive ends) and Brandon Beadles (defensive linemen) has done a great job of scouting the opponents and putting the Tigers in position to make the tackles.
"They put lots of time into that," Kull said.
Defensive lineman Brodrick Hearn, who's a 5-9, 255-pound junior, attributed the defense's success to a strong team unity.
"It's just like a family," he said.
He said the defense also has a lot of confidence.
"We know we can get the job done," Hearn said.
Linebacker Moises Santibanez said the Tigers' state championship last year made them hungry for more success this season.
"We want to win it again," he said.
Santibanez said this group of Tigers has something to prove to last year's very talented senior class. That they too can have a great season.
Santibanez also said the starting defense is filled with aggressive players who love to hit.
The Tigers will be tested in Saturday's regional game by a 10-2 Spring Hill team that loves to throw the football.
"They throw the ball all over the place," Bragg said.
He said Spring Hill's Jim Alford is one of the state's top quarterbacks.
"He's not real mobile but he can put it on a line," said the Tigers' head coach.
The Panthers have a "massive offensive line" and some really good possession-type receivers, according to Bragg.
"Every one of them can catch the football," he said.
The Tigers' defense, which has also been led by noseguard Joseph McDaniel, should be
ready for the challenge.