5 Key Takeaways From The Commerce Middle School Football Program's Latest Season: The Tigers' Path To High School Success

Contents

The Commerce Middle School (CMS) football program, home of the Tigers, continues to serve as a vital pipeline for the renowned Commerce High School (CHS) varsity team. As of the current date, December 25, 2025, the program is focused on developing young talent in Commerce, Georgia, emphasizing fundamental skills, teamwork, and preparing athletes for the rigorous competition of high school football in the competitive Georgia landscape. The middle school squad’s recent performances and coaching structure highlight a dedicated commitment to building a sustainable culture of excellence from the ground up, ensuring the future success of the entire Tigers athletic program.

The CMS Tigers compete in the fall season, typically running their schedule alongside the broader Commerce City Schools athletic calendar. Their efforts are crucial in shaping the next generation of football stars, instilling the 'Tiger Pride' that is a hallmark of the Commerce community. The program operates out of the school's facilities located at 7690 Jefferson Rd, Commerce, GA 30529, a central hub for developing young athletes in Jackson County.

The Coaching Staff and Program Leadership: A Foundation of Experience

The success of any middle school program is directly tied to its leadership, and the Commerce Middle School football team benefits from a structured, experienced coaching staff that bridges the gap between youth sports and the varsity level.

  • Middle School Coordinator: Jason Holcomb. Mr. Holcomb is a central figure in the CMS football program, serving as the Middle School Coordinator for multiple seasons, including the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years. His role is pivotal in managing the junior high schedule, ensuring player development aligns with the overall program philosophy, and coordinating efforts with the high school staff.
  • Assistant Middle School Coaches: The on-field development is supported by a dedicated team of coaches, including Antonio Washington, Garon Burgin, and Matt Henderson, who focus on specific positional and fundamental training.
  • Athletic Director & Head Coach (Program-Wide): John McSheffery. The entire Commerce football program, including the middle school, operates under the guidance of Athletic Director John McSheffery, who has also served as the Head Coach. The recent hiring of Lenny Gregory as the new Head Football Coach for Commerce High School in early 2025 signals a new era for the varsity program, which will undoubtedly influence the middle school's strategic development in the coming years.

The 2024 Season Highlights: New Events and Key Matchups

While definitive win-loss records for middle school teams can often be elusive, the 2024 season for the CMS Tigers was marked by significant developmental milestones and competitive matchups against regional rivals. The focus remains on player progression and gaining experience in high-stakes environments.

A Strong Showing at the First 7-on-7 Event

A major highlight from the 2024 season was the Commerce Middle School football team's strong performance in its first-ever 7-on-7 event. This specific type of competition is critical for developing core football skills, particularly for quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive backs. The 7-on-7 format emphasizes:

  • Passing Game Development: Sharpening timing and route running.
  • Defensive Coverage: Improving man-to-man and zone coverage skills.
  • Team Chemistry: Building cohesion outside of the traditional tackle environment.
This "great showing" in their debut 7-on-7 tournament is a powerful indicator of the program's commitment to modern training methods and the rising talent level within the CMS ranks.

Notable Opponents on the Junior High Schedule

The CMS Tigers face a challenging schedule that prepares them for the GHSA Class A Division I competition at the varsity level. Key matchups in the recent season included regional opponents who provide tough competition and a valuable learning experience for the young athletes. One specific game noted on the calendar was an away contest:

  • CMS Football @ Clarke Central: The Tigers were scheduled to play the Clarke Central team on a Wednesday in September, with a 5:30 PM kick-off. Playing teams like Clarke Central, a larger school with a strong athletic tradition, is crucial for testing the CMS players' mettle and preparing them for the intensity of high school play.

The Commerce Middle School Athletic Tradition: A Legacy of Excellence

The CMS football program is part of a broader culture of athletic excellence within Commerce City Schools. The goal of the middle school team is not just to win games, but to feed successful, well-prepared athletes into the high school system. This development pipeline is essential for maintaining the competitive edge of the Commerce Tigers.

The Unbeaten Legacy and Record-Breaking Athletes

The foundation of success at the middle school level is highlighted by the achievements of former athletes. A prime example is the former CMS athlete, Tolbert, who went on to be ranked highly in the state. Tolbert is historically recognized as the leading scorer in Commerce Middle School history with 95 goals, and their middle school teams were notably unbeaten over three consecutive seasons. While this particular record is likely in soccer, it establishes a powerful precedent for athletic dominance and a winning culture that permeates all CMS sports, including football. This tradition of success motivates the current CMS football players to strive for similar unbeaten seasons and record-breaking performances.

The Pathway to Varsity and the Future of the Tigers

Middle school football is the critical transition point where players begin to specialize and commit to the sport. The CMS program focuses on developing players who will eventually appear on the Commerce High School roster, which includes names like Ty Sorrells, JJ Jarrells, and Zymir Huff. The consistent coaching philosophy, overseen by the Middle School Coordinator, ensures that athletes are familiar with the schemes, conditioning requirements, and behavioral expectations of the varsity program before they even step onto the high school field. This seamless transition is a major advantage for the Commerce Tigers football program, allowing freshmen to contribute immediately.

The Commerce Middle School football program remains a cornerstone of the Commerce City Schools athletic department. With dedicated coaches like Jason Holcomb, a focus on modern developmental tools like 7-on-7 tournaments, and a tradition of athletic excellence, the CMS Tigers are actively building the foundation for the next generation of successful high school football players in Georgia. Fans and parents can look forward to another exciting season as these young athletes continue their journey to become future Commerce Tigers varsity stars.

5 Key Takeaways From the Commerce Middle School Football Program's Latest Season: The Tigers' Path to High School Success
commerce middle school football
commerce middle school football

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