Georgia Public Broadcasting presents the 26 Georgia High School Association's football semifinal.

Funding for this program is provided in part by Georgia Electric Membership Corporation, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local 613 Atlanta.

Wachovia, the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

By viewers like you and the Georgia High School Association who wish to thank the Georgia Dodge Dealers, State Farm and Verizon Wireless for their support of high school sports programing on GPB.

Live from the Georgia Dome, it's the GHC single-A football semi final featuring the Commerce Tigers coming in at 11 and two, taking on the Lincoln County Red Devils.

And they come in at 12 and one football fans from Commerce made the 70 mile trek to the Georgia Dome.

The football fans from Lincoln, ten over a hundred miles from almost the Augusta area.

And we join you now from the broadcast booth.

Hello again, everybody, and welcome.

I'm Jim Tanaka, along with D.J.

Jones.

This is the seventh game of ten to be played here at the Georgia Dome over this two day period on GPB.

Great athletes that we've had featured throughout this two day span.

And this one really features, I think, the Arizona Bowl for us versus the immovable object.

Great offense, great defense from Lincoln County Commerce comes in ready to go and score some big time touchdown.

Commerce comes in with a great offensive triple threat led by, of course, quarterback Reuben Hayes.

But the man of the hour, of course, is going to feature right now is that big guy right there, Randy Womack.

He's the big full back there.

He rushed for over 1000 yards, averaging almost six yards per carry and six touchdowns.

Now, defensively, Josh Beauchamp, the linebacker, he leads the way for this big commerce team.

The leading tackler on the defense.

He's the man in the middle for fumble recoveries and he's also added an interception to his repertoire.

So, of course, Womack and Bo Chappell, the guys to watch on each side of the ball.

We also had a chance to catch up with head coach Steve Savage before the game to find out what his game plan is for this semifinal.

Commerce hasn't changed much since 1970.

We've been running option football since that time, and we're still at it.

You see us with either quarterback Reuben Haynes carrying the ball around the wall, mark our fullback, or we've got two or three little bitty half backs.

It might get it shown.

We'll also throw the ball some first time we've ever had a quarterback.

He's thrown for over 5000 and rushed for over a thousand defensively.

Now we are we are solid up front.

You know that's the strength of our defense to age players Lonzo Huff and Dante Martin.

They've really played well this year.

Two linebackers, Jared Howell and Josh Bishop also play well.

Our second year, good enough to play.

And it was kind of average back here.

But our defensive front, we're going to be successful.

We've got to control the game.

Two legendary coaches today, Steve Savage, the first one, he's got 29 years experience.

Now we talk Lincoln County on offense.

Boy, I tell you what, first they got the three cousins, which is incredible.

More on them later.

But quarterback Brandon Barton leads the way.

Well, Brandon Barton is no stranger to the dome, of course, the starting quarterback last year on the team.

But here's this big six foot five good looking quarterback, though.

He's a very versatile athlete, not only does he run the ball, he passes the ball, but he also is used as a receiver in some situations.

Now, the amazing thing about the defense from the Red Devils, they've only given up 45 points.

All year led by this guy, Jeff Porter.

Jeff Porter is the Calvinist on the defensive side, a £210 compact linebacker who knocks your lights out and has four sacks on the season.

Earlier, we had a chance to catch up with the legendary head coach Larry Campbell.

With 401.

Wins and his game plan for today's football semifinal.

Offense, we do what a lot of folks refer to as a speed sweep and offense revolves around that.

And after that, we run a lot of misdirection plays and run the play.

And it's an offense that we adapted from Wofford College and we spent some time up there and trying to learn it.

And on the defensive side of football, we've been a FIFO defense forever and you do what everybody is doing and spreading out, they spread us out.

We go to a43 defense.

Head coach Larry Campbell.

Of course, he's been around for 35 years now.

We join our third member of our broadcast team.

He's downstairs.

Gerald.

Olive.

Hello, Gerald.

Hey, Jim.

Well, we're in for a record breaking game today with the kick off of this contest, the Georgia Dome will become the most common venue for playoff games here in the state of Georgia coming into the weekend.

100 games have been played here at the Dome and that was second only to the cab company's hall for Stadium, which would see 106.

Now, you already mentioned this is the seventh game of the weekend, which means the dome is number one.

And Jim, 91 of those games have been seen live right here on GPB.

And I guess it's only fitting that this is our 10th anniversary.

Boy, oh, boy.

I tell you what.

You've got the stats, that's for sure.

Gerald Hey, Commerce in Lincoln County, the Tigers in the Red Devils in the single-A football semifinal and we hit have started under the Dome.

Let's get started.

Let's get it.

And welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

And here come the Lincoln County Red Devils as they get ready to take on the Comets Tigers in the Class AA football semifinal here at the Georgia Dome.

Of course, they are the Commerce Tigers.

A lot of butterflies in their system right now, but I bet you they're pumped up and ready to go.

They've been working all year long to get to this point and now it's finally here.

When they leave here, they'll have an opportunity to compete for the single-A state championship.

Kicking off for commerce will be number seven, dusty, black, back deep.

To receive our the cousins number eight, Ricardo Norman and number nine, Ron Norman The Speedsters.

And here's your kick off the single-A football semifinal is underway from the Georgia Dome taking out the 15 by the number eight, Ricardo Norman.

Norman works his way up past the 4040 yard line to about the 43 yard line.

Good start and great field position for Lincoln County.

Absolutely.

And again, that Norman name, you're going to hear it a lot today because they're three starters.

They're all seniors on this team.

They both go running backs and defensive back the Norman boys.

And of.

Course, led by this guy, Brandon Barton, 22 of 50 for 394 yards, six touchdowns on the year for the senior quarterback as he takes his team to the line of scrimmage and they go to work first and ten.

At the 43 mark this year that's Darrell Norman was known for a lot of speed.

But Darryl this time gets stopped in the backfield by number ten, Alonzo Huff and number 65, Josh Beauchamp.

Looking forward.

Here's the lineup, offensive lineup for Lincoln County.

Here's the front five.

It's Byles Morris Rhodes, Sparks and MATTHEWS at center the running backs are the Normans will help more about that later the Jones is at the running back as well Bradford at wide receiver and Jones at tight end we'll tell you all about those athletes as we go throughout the ballgame today on GPP.

Second down and hard with the.

Quick tossed around Ricardo, Norman and Norman trying to make something out of it.

Tries to get to about the 48 yard line defensively the front four.

For Commerce, it's Martin, Holland, Huff and Turner.

The linebacking crew is black, Howell Adams and of course, Beau Champ and Back Deep.

It's Hill Thomas and Adams for Commerce.

So those are your starting lineups on the field for both teams sets up a third down and five for Lincoln County.

Brandon Barton, a quarterback, stands six for 205, handoff up the middle That's Tyler Beal And Beal looks like he has enough for.

First down Great job up front by the Lincoln County offensive line giving him an opportunity here you see the handoff they're up inside there but nice yardage there to pick up the first down.

So it's a first and ten for Lincoln County at the Commerce 45 yard line.

There you see your clock moving 1020 left to play here in the opening quarter.

I hope you're enjoying football.

Watching all this weekend on TV handoff up the middle.

That's Tyler Beal again and Beal maybe picks up a couple good defense by Thomas T.J..

It is a good defense, but also it's very interesting to see how Brandon Barton is obviously getting the ball to build up inside, getting everybody focused on the on the defensive side of the ball on the inside run.

But you know as well as I do that they have speed on the outside.

So when they do go to their triple threat offense, you got a block, you have to bust the edges.

Second down and seven for Lincoln County, one wide out to the right, one set that man in motion, handoff up the middle.

That's Franklin Jones with his first carry of the game.

And he takes it to about the 40 pick up of about three.

You're seeing obviously the nice commerce defense coming out here.

And I know led up by Josh Beauchamp, you know, he broke his facemask.

Look, especially the last game.

And he's a guy that obviously we'll have an opportunity to see a lot of today.

There you see the numbers on Franklin Jones on the year average per carry of 7.1 yards.

I mean, the offensive line has been doing the job for Lincoln County throughout the year, handoff.

Up the middle and that's oh, no fake handoff.

And that's Barton keeping the ball.

And Barton takes it to the 30.

And that's a first down for Lincoln County, brought down by number 55.

Donte Martin.

As we take a look at Barton here, running up inside, you see the athleticism of a six foot five, £210 quarterback slash wide receiver.

He can do whatever he wants.

But this guy, they call on him to run the ball.

They call him with the pass the ball and they use him as a receiver.

There you see Barton's numbers on the air and he's rushed several times, averaging just under seven yards a carry and he's scored eight times.

Now he's checking at the line, possibly calling an audible.

Now the pitch and it goes to Daniel Norman and Norman is caught in the backfield again.

That's unheard of, D.J., I mean, because Darrell's known for a lot of speed.

He is known.

But Dante Martin did a great job coming over there.

And of course, as you look at the top sweep, they're number 55, coming to the pitch and getting great leverage and staying outside, keeping his outside shoulder free, able to make the play here good technique Football Here by Dante Martin.

And there's Dante Martin's numbers on the year 62 tackles and eight sacks for Martin second down for Lincoln down with the handoff up the middle to Franklin Jones and Jones picks up about two or three yards.

In the early goings here.

But the tempo and the pace at which the comers defense is coming out, I know that Lincoln County is moving the ball, but I see that, you know, these guys have come in with a good attitude and they understand what's at stake here.

They want to knock the big boys off the block.

Yes, they do.

Ball is marked at the 27 yard line.

It's a third and seven big 37 for Lincoln County.

And now we have a whistle blown and a timeout for Lincoln County.

So they'll come on over and talk it over with head coach Larry Campbell as as they're approaching the red zone and the Red Devils are on the move, that's for sure.

Hey, you know, it's viewers like you that help make great local programs like these high school football games possible on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

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That's what it's all about.

I mean, you know, showing a high school football games statewide on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

I mean, you know, we hear about it every year this time of the season.

It's just like people love watching football on GPB.

I'm from down in Columbus.

These are Alabama, west central Georgia area there.

And I know that the folks are excited about the broadcast.

Yes, they do.

A big crowd coming in as we continue our second day of the football marathon weekend here at the Georgia Dome.

Barton on The Keeper goes outside and is brought down by a number of tigers led by number five, Taylor Adams and number ten, Alonzo Huff.

You have to like that swarming tigers defense there.

As you see, Barton picks it up inside and going ahead and keeping it off tackle.

But look at all of those black helmets that are coming in swarming on Barton.

There you go.

You love to see that.

Under 7 minutes to go in the opening quarter, Lincoln County just eaten up that.

Clock and now a big fourth anti one wideout for the right man in motion handoff goes to number seven Daryl Norman Norman Blake Springs at the in the five touchdown Darryl Norman Great effort by Darryl Norman one of the Norman boys But this guy is the leading.

Rusher He's the guy that had nearly 1000 yards and got a little cross buck action here as you watch the three play They're great ball fake They're coming on a little misdirection dips inside and gets has a nose for the end zone.

So Norman scores the touchdown Vance Turner is in to attempt the extra point That's Tarek excuse me number 89 snap and hold his girl to pick this up.

And it's good.

And Lincoln County strikes first as they lead it over commerce early in the first quarter, seven nothing.

We'll have more first quarter action for you from the Georgia Dome right after this.

And welcome back to the Georgia Dome for the class-A football semifinal between Commerce and Lincoln County.

The Red Devils strike first and lead this one seven nothing.

There you see the scoring drive, ten plays, 57 yards.

GE hit a five, but it's a 22 seconds.

And of course Norman with a 22 yard touchdown run to cap it off.

Well the Brandon Barton Brandon Barton the quarterback they're definitely used and took advantage of the run up inside and he even had a couple of carries there but uses some clock here in the early goings.

Vance Tarver kicks it off Tony Crawford Josh Hill back deep to receive it to short kick and taken by Tony Crawford He takes it up to about the 25 yard line and that's where the Crawford Crawford and his team of the Commerce Tigers will go go to work on offense.

Exciting to see that combo there of Haynes and Womack affectionately known as Thunder and lightning there goes but Haynes being the quarterback who has rushed the first for the first time in school history, rushed 4000 yards and passed for 1000 yards.

Incredible.

And there you see his numbers.

He had nine touchdowns on the year.

So commerce goes to work first and ten at the 25 yard line.

Rubin hands the quarterback handoff straight up the gut.

And that's Randy Womack.

And we're going to be calling his number a lot today.

Here's your offensive starting lineup in the offensive line.

It's Adams Bo and Flint Beauchamp.

And Barnes is your center the running backs as Adams and Hill the full back is Womack and the wide receivers cook the tight end is black so more on those players as we cover this game for you on GP second and nine for the Tigers at the 26 and the handoff no fake handoff and the pitch to the left side to Josh Hill and Hill picked up a couple of yards Good fake.

He could fake down a cameraman downstairs.

That hardly ever.

Happens.

Absolutely.

I'll tell you what Ron Norman would have made this play obviously came up in force from the corner, but had an opportunity to get a big hit defensively.

Here's the way they stack up for Lincoln County.

Your defensive linemen Zabeel, Ferguson, Jones, Wells and Hurst.

The linebackers are Krait and Porter back deep.

For Lincoln County it's Norman, Norman, Wynn and Norman.

So yeah, you get the idea we are Norman dominated Randy Womack gets the call and takes it up to about the 35 stop by number five DJ Atheist Jones was.

Right there you had an opportunity to see what Randy Womack is the thunder portion of the Thunder and Lightning duo some good yardage there.

And you see why he rushed for nearly 1200 yards this season.

The officials are talking over Gene McCloud, our referee today.

This one's going against commerce.

You feeling a motion.

By the offense five yards from the previous spot.

Replay the third down.

There's the Georgia Football Officials Association calling today's game Jim McCloud, John Austin, Spencer Smith, David Blair, Dudley, White and Dennis Peterson.

Here's a snap on third down.

Boy.

The defensive Lincoln County is proving to be too tough now.

Wow good stop by Tyler Beal number three.

Tyler Beal doing an excellent job there of course stringing the play out and actually making the tackle here.

But you're talking about a defense that only gave up two touchdowns all year long.

You take another look here at the play.

Watch Taylor.

Keep outside arm free and obviously making that quick, making the tackle on the quarterback.

Dusty Blackwell punted away for commerce on fourth down and back deep to receive is number nine Ron Tate Norman Norman's going to let this bounce at midfield takes it on one bounce Here comes Norman trying to turn the corner can't do it is brought down at the 44 yard line by number four Cohen.

Could a nice job of coverage there on the punt cover.

Let's go downstairs to Gerald delivery Gerald.

Hey, Jim, you mentioned that they only allowed two touchdowns all year, that being the Lincoln County defense will get this.

They've had eight shutouts in 13 games.

Now, this is nothing new for Lincoln County because this Larry Campbell has been the coach.

They've shut out one third of their opponents.

So their thing is defense.

And we saw it right here in the first quarter.

That's true, Gerald.

I tell you what, they come back.

They are the defensive team in the state in the history of high school football.

More on that as we go forward.

Just Jones makes the great catch off the pass from Brandon Barden.

You had an opportunity to see Barton.

Obviously, we talked about his versatility.

He's been running it early on here, but got a chance to see him throw the football and he's great plays placement with the football committed to Virginia Tech.

So it'll be interesting to see what position Barton ends up taking.

Second down and six for Lincoln County.

By the way, this is their eighth trip to the dome.

That's the most of any football team in high school football in the state of Georgia.

Washington County made their seventh trip yesterday.

Brandon Barton on The Keeper picks up a couple of yards and it's all because of that man right there.

LOWERY Campbell, for 101 victories, the winningest coach all time in the state of Georgia.

And there's the most dome appearances as we were talking about.

Lincoln County has eight Washington County seven.

Then you see Marist and Charlton County with six and seven.

Other schools are tied with five.

So an incredible winning percentage and consistency down on Lincoln ten by that head coach Larry Campbell.

Third and four from the 49 and the handoff inside here that fourth quarter Norman.

And Norman maybe picks up a couple of yards as the commerce tiger defense is playing.

Tough.

They are playing tough up inside there.

Now, you know, you have to be impressed with their defensive line there.

Both sides of the ball, obviously, Boston, great defenses.

But tell you what, it's going to probably come down to that as the decisiveness of this game which defense actually plays the best.

There you see Steve Savage looking from the sidelines and trying to figure out what the secret is to to beating the Red Devils who have only given up 45 points all year.

We talked about it earlier in the broadcast.

Taylor Adams is back deep to receive for commerce.

Kicking it away is.

Brandon Barton, the quarterback.

And here's the punt and overhand and angling towards the sidelines.

And this one's going to be marked out of bounds.

The 35 yard line.

That's where commerce will go to work on offense first and ten, D.J.. First and ten indeed.

And again, once we get a chance to see Randy Womack.

But there's another look at the guy for 35 years as a head coach at Lincoln County has done something that not too many guys have been able to do.

Of course, winning over 400 games, one of only five and the third active coach, head coach, high school coach in the country.

Well, this is the third meeting of the dome between these two teams.

You saw that stat there.

The last time Commerce won a state championship.

They beat the Red Devils.

And, you know, that's that's just incredible.

And then Lincoln County did the same thing back in 2005 and then won a state championship.

So Randy Womack with the Carrie Ann Womack takes it out to about the 38 yard line.

Take a look at this power running play here, of course, breaking the tackle there by the Travis Hurst.

But Womack is is definitely the guy that's going to get this thing done for comers up inside there, some bruising punishing yards to pick up, some positive yardage for.

Thomas seven nothing Lincoln County in the early going under 2 minutes to go first quarter second and two and the handoff goes to Randy Womack and Womack is met by the Normans, led by Ricardo Norman and Ron Norman.

More tough running for Womack up inside, picking up the first down.

But you got to love it.

This guy didn't go down after the first hit, then sometimes didn't go down after the second hit.

But you got to swarm a guy like this because he's low built to the ground, low center of gravity and of course, excellent feet.

Gerald was mentioning earlier about that defense of Lincoln County.

Yeah, they've given up 45 points only this year here.

The starting defense, though, the starters have only given up 17 points.

And these guys take pride in playing tough defense against teams like this is Thomas Wright proving.

He's in trouble?

And he is.

He goes down at the 46 stop by number nine.

Ron Norman, I'll tell you what, that defense of Lincoln County is swarming all over the tigers.

They are swarming all over the place here.

But it's going to take a quarterback that's as very mobile like this kid from Commerce, of course, because he pulled up the pass on that last play.

And you take a look here, looking out the front side, but no one's open, able to come out the backside.

Not quite enough speed, though.

But I do like the fact that he made something out of nothing.

And with that brings up a second and seven Rueben hands here.

You see his numbers on the air.

14 touchdowns give junior quarterback handoff and that's Womack no Archie Haynes keeps it crosses midfield gets to about the 48 yard line He's going to be close to a first down.

They might mark that one a little bit.

Short stop by number ten.

Jeff Porter, the linebacker.

Once again, the quarterback, Robert Haynes.

You're able to see his versatility, though, taking the ball up inside, taking it on the edge and give him some positive yardage.

Clock continues to run and I don't think commerce is going to run a play here.

They're going to wait and sit this one out as the first quarter winds down here at the Georgia Dome, there's Steve Savage and he's talking over some game plan to see if they can't strike back against Lincoln County.

In the meantime, the first 12 minutes are in the book.

Lincoln County Leach, Commerce seven, nothing.

Second quarter action coming in away from the Georgia Dome right after this.

Welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

Let's go downstairs to Gerald.

Oliver, Gerald.

Hey, Jim, as we get a look at our Reuben Haynes for Commerce, the quarterback, we got to take like back and look at his older brother, Josh Haynes.

He was the starting quarterback here.

He played for Commerce in 2001 to 2003.

But when Josh was here, Rubin was actually the waterboy.

Now, we talked to Coach Savage before the game, and he said that Rubin has worked very hard to get to where he's at.

He's very intelligent, and he's the smartest kid in his class.

Why isn't that great?

Football runs through the family, but how many times do you hear about that throughout the state of Georgia, B.J.?

Well, you know what?

It's a special story and is a special time for this young man as well.

Great story.

Third down and two for commerce at the 49 yard line in the handoff up the middle, no fake handoff.

Haynes keeps it and does a great job in picking up the first down for commerce.

Stop by number three, Tyler Beal.

Once again, you're getting a look at Dunn.

You're seeing why this kid is the rush 4000 yards as well as passing 4000.

Now you see him faking up inside, but watch him make a miss.

They're up inside, breaking a tackle and picking up more positive yardage.

If you're just joining us, the second quarter just underway from the Georgia dome, jim janaki jones and gerald olvera bringing you the action.

Lincoln County.

And Thomas Red Devils lead at seven nothing here in the early going with Ben Haynes looking long has it man down field.

Incomplete intended for number five Taylor Adams good defense by number five Jacob Jones and number seven Darryl Norman D Jack.

Jenkins Jones in great position there.

And of course, when the ball goes in the air, the defender should treat it like as he is.

And he got a great position there, of course, covering Taylor Adams, actually taking another look here at Haynes gets involved.

Nice touch.

But when that balls in the air, the defensive back can also become the receiver.

And now great job, great coverage, great positioning by the defender.

That sets up a second.

And ten for the tigers and a ball step loose ball Haynes looks to jump on it.

And he does recover his own fumble back at the 49 yard line of commerce.

That was a funny looking play, the way that ball shot out of there after an attempted handoff.

You take a look at him and see what happened.

Actually, he dropped the ball.

Haynes dropped the ball and was kicked by one of his linemen.

Great job of hustling, getting that ball back for commerce.

His coach, Steve Savage, and he just picked up another gray hair on that play.

This guy's been there for 29 years as the head coach.

So it's back up to the Thomas 49 yard line, which sets up a third.

Down and 17 Haynes in the shotgun, looks downfield, has a man incomplete in and.

Out of the hands of number one, Tony Crawford.

His fade receiver, Ron Norman, number nine almost came up with an interception.

Well, Crawford ran an excellent route and the quarterback was able to put the ball right where he needed to.

Unfortunately for commerce, they didn't capitalize on that particular play.

So commerce will have to punt it away.

Number seven, Dusty Black will do the punting for commerce and back the receiver for Lincoln County.

Number nine, Ron Tate.

Norman here's the punt five black hand over an angle kick and it.

Bounces at the 25 and continues to roll And he's going to be touchdown at the 18 yard line of Lincoln County and that's where the Red Devils will go to work.

B.J., your thoughts so far in the first 14 minutes of football?

Well, coming into this game, I thought maybe Lincoln County would have the advantage with a great defense in the versatile offense there.

But I'm seeing and I'm impressed with commerce and, you know, they're able to hang in here, they're fighting, they're scrapping.

And that's, I'm sure, why we have such a good game thus far.

Okay.

So Lincoln County offense goes to work led by quarterback Brandon Barton.

They started their own 18 yard line.

Man in motion is Norman.

The handoff up the middle goes to number four, Franklin Jones and Jones picks up about four yards on the play.

Good push by the offensive line of Lincoln County.

The Red Devils got about four yards on the play.

So that'll bring up a second and looks like they marked it at the 23.

So that'll bring up a second and five for Lincoln County.

Mark that's the pass looks downfield has him on that block Roxane Norman Norman tries to turn the corner Finally brought down at the 30.

Five yard line good coverage by the Tigers well take.

MONTAGNE Norman take a look at the versatile quarterback Barton delivering the ball out to Norman in the flat.

BRONTE That is good.

Move out there.

Nice play.

Good stop by number five, Taylor Adams and number nine, Josh Hill for Commerce.

As you look at Ron Norman.

First and ten at the 35 and on double upside down three Norman.

And Norman picks up a couple.

So these Norman cousins, they have a lot of speed, but they can't break through that offensive line right there.

Again, I'm just really, really surprised.

And I don't know if I'm shocked because, again, we saw these kids last year and we know that those Norman kids in the backfield use the great options open field and get long runs but a great job and disciplined defense by commerce up to this point.

There's Grant Norman there you see his numbers on the year he doesn't get the ball often, but when he does, he's effective, that's for sure.

Second and eight mark on the keeper Barton breaks through gets to midfield Great quarterback.

Keeper from Brandon Barnes You stop by number five Taylor Adams.

Excellent job of taking the ball up inside by Barton you see there are a lot of the defenders took the lead back but he kept the ball and got out there and used all that six foot five, £220 body to pick up about seven or eight yards for the first down.

Clock continues to move under 9 minutes till halftime.

This one's moving a lot quicker than yesterday's ball game.

I'll tell you what, this is getting right through it first and ten from midfield and link for Lincoln County Warriors look at the check.

Off and call an audible here and it's Norman off the bench and it's Ron Norman getting to about the 41 yard.

Line Good run and pick up on first down by Ron Norman That sets up a second and short Everybody likes to have a second and.

Short take a look at this toss into the short side of the field has been a very successful play for Lincoln County this year has seen Norman turning up inside.

They're getting the positive yardage.

So the ball's marked at the 41 runty on the bench gets a breather, plenty more ammunition that comes off the bench to replace what they like.

A guy like this one here, number seven, Darrel.

Gordon, who gets the pick down five through traffic, now fumbles the football and it looks like Thomas has come up with it.

Number nine, Josh Hill jumped on it and the Tigers will take over.

Great job of Josh Hill hustling over to get the fumble there.

Darrell Norman, the leading rusher for Lincoln County, takes the sweep, gets to the outside there.

And you notice Josh Hill basically keeping leverage.

They're not letting him get outside and then was able to recover the fumble.

Take a look at it once again, getting to the outside on the edge there.

But the defenders keep it a nice doing a nice job of keeping contain out there and Hill gets the fumble recovery.

Josh Hill 29 tackles on the year three interceptions and a big fumble recovery there to give the Tigers a first and ten and now it's Ruben Haynes and Haynes on the Keeper as he tries to make something happen on first down there you see the football did not make the trip from commerce to root for their tigers here under the big top and oh yeah go dusty and number seven.

There.

Tell you that one wasn't a bad drive down to the dome from Camas, huh?

Not bad at all.

So that sets up a second down.

And we'll call at five in six for commerce.

Haines on the Cooper Cross midfield has.

A first down for the Tigers.

Both quarterbacks doing a great job of riding that fullback up inside and taking it out and of course, making the lead on the edge.

Being stopped by number 75.

Tony Wells of Lincoln County, third down.

Jack balls marked at the 48.

That's where he's going to be first and ten for commerce.

Rubin hands the quarterback to wideouts, one split to the.

Left, one with the right man in motion.

Hands off up the middle.

And that is Womack.

Good looking running play there again.

This is a physical running back.

This young man is a very powerful young man, £600 squatter.

And you can tell as he breaks tackles up inside there, running into the heart.

Now, the Lincoln County Defense.

Commerce Tigers, the 2000 state champions, beat the Red Devils in the semifinals.

And, you know, that's what it's all about, right?

I mean, you know, it takes a tough guy to beat the tough ones to get to the championship.

And Thomas did that back in 2000.

He said, hey, Rubin Haynes with the ball carrying he takes it inside the 40 stop by number ten.

Jeffrey Porter another good job by Haynes excuse me taking it up inside to Womack but again, breaking tackles there, those on tackles.

That's a great by the quarterback.

Some of the cheerleaders that made the trip of course the fans are here the fans are here the moms and dads and cousins and uncles.

They're all here to root for their team.

First and ten at the 38 yard line.

Haynes, though Womack and Womack.

Explode up the middle, inside the 30 yard line goes.

Womack brought down by a couple of guys from Lincoln County, including number 24, Carlos Hurst.

Here it is.

What's so impressive this that we know the fact that Womack is an excellent running back, but look how he's earning his yards right up into the heart of the Lincoln County Defense.

One time out.

On the field for commerce as they're looking to get close to that Lincoln County red zone.

So far, D.J., both teams playing really well on offense and especially well on defense.

Yes, indeed.

But you have to love the tempo of this game here in the early going, both teams know what's at stake.

While we have this time out.

Earlier, we had a chance to catch up with head coach Steve Savage to talk about what's special about coaching the Tigers.

We've got 17 seniors on our team and that's a lot for a single age group.

Normally we run somewhere between eight and 1012 on occasions in a big year, but 17 is a lot for us.

The chemistry's been really, really good.

We're not tremendously talented like we have been in some years, but chemistry goes a long way.

Chemistry does go a long way, D.J., I mean, you know, these guys are on the field with each other, you know, in practice beginning in in August.

And and working hard through training camp in the weight room and then a tough regular season schedule, then the postseason and now playing together at the Georgia Dome.

I mean, it really is truly a big family when it comes here.

That was a key point by Coach Savage and of course, highlighting the 17 seniors that are the leaders of this commerce football team.

So the Tigers have it at the 29 yard line, second and one and the handoff to Womack.

Now Hayden's actually on the keeper and it looks like Haynes might have enough for a first down.

Really impressed with Ruben Haynes and his ability to keep the chains moving for this commerce offense.

And it is a first down there.

You see the quarterback, Rueben Haynes for Commerce as the clock continues to move in a very quick first half in the football semifinal and off to an up half baked handoff to Womack.

And it's Ruben Haynes again calling his own number and getting to him at the 23 yard line stop by number seven, Darryl, Norman, Norman.

And number 42, Keith crying the linebacker.

Great.

Look at that triple threat offense there.

The first rep being Womack up inside and of course, the second being with the quarterback Haynes keeping it on the corner.

But the third part of that threat is the pitch on the edge.

Here you see Haynes, his numbers on the day averaging three yards a carry is the junior quarterback second and six from the 23 yard line.

And this time it's Womack up the middle.

And, you know, it almost looks like D.J., you know, it's like Haynes has kept the ball so many times that when it gets to Womack, it's a surprise.

That's right.

He does a good job there up inside.

But look at the tough running here of Womack breaking tackles.

And again, I just can't can't reiterate the fact that he is getting the tough yards up inside of a very, very tough Lincoln County defense.

Good defensive play by number eight, Ricardo Norman, Randy Womack, six rushes 36 yards on the day he's averaged six yards.

A carry is the senior on first and ten at the 15 yard line.

Tigers are in the red zone and here they go.

It's Ruben Haynes.

And this time the Red Devils will have none thing they do it.

That's good.

Stop by number 42 keys.

Right.

Also, Tyler Beal is a big hitter in there getting a piece of that action.

Take a look here as Womack gets the ball, goes up inside and you're right, he's great.

Help me fool there.

I saw the big hit by Beal on that Womack up inside and he's doing such a tremendous job hiding the football.

The seniors had a big year.

81 tackles four sacks on the year that sets up a second and 12 as the tigers back up couple of yards Haynes on the deeper gets to the 15 works his way down to about the 11 yard line.

You notice obviously with you know every play get getting five four or five six yards and eating up the clock.

It's a great opportunity here with two inside of 3 minutes left in the first half to tie this game up for Commerce.

They spot the ball at the 12, setting up a third down and now looks like there's a timeout on the field.

Nope.

Both teams are coming back.

You see Steve Savage?

Yeah.

The equipment problem down the field is what we told.

When you talk about these two coaches, you know, Savage with 29 years and of course, Coach Kim with 35 years.

We'll talk a little bit about that in just a little bit.

All those years of combined coaching experience.

Third and seven, a big 37 for the Tigers and it's really been hey on the pick off the option to Josh Hill and hill is close to a first down for commerce.

You get an excellent look here is how he's getting the fake it up inside take it to the edge get the read and pitches all three steps of that triple threat offense.

Good defensive play by number seven Darrell Norman on the sidelines to save it from commerce getting a first down yeah.

D.J.

Jim over 60 years of head coaching experience between the two head coaches and it's no secret why these two teams are meeting here today.

Oh, yeah.

You got that right.

It takes a lot of experience, but take a time out here from the Georgia Dome, 227 left to go till halftime and it's Lincoln County leading Commerce seven.

Nothing to the gang.

And back here at the Georgia Dome, Lincoln County has the lead.

Seven Nothing but commerce is knocking on the door.

They're on the seven yard line.

Commerce had to call a timeout because the place kicker, Dusty Black, was trying to change into his kicking shoe and couldn't get on in time.

So they were forced to call a timeout.

And there you see Dusty right there as he lines it up for a 24 yard attempt to put Thomas on the board is to snap the hold the kick.

It's up and it is good.

So Commerce gets on the board with a 24 yard field goal from Dusty Black, and now it's Lincoln County seven and Commerce three.

Well, this certainly we we saw exactly what we all talked about the very early going up with the quarterback Heinz for commerce using the run of course his his feet as well as big Womack up inside and of course got him down and get him three points.

This series between Lincoln County and Commerce really has been a series of streaks.

Lincoln County won the first five meetings between these two teams.

Then Commerce won the next four straight, and now Lincoln County has won the next four straight.

So it's a series of streaks between these two upcoming games.

Later on today, the semifinal, Charlton County will take on Earley County at 3 p.m. at 6 p.m. tonight.

It's the five a semifinal Roswell and Tip County.

The Hornets are coming to the dome and the five eight semifinal.

The other one, Peachtree Ridge, will play in the finale.

So as we get ready to kick it off for you all year long, it's dusty.

BLOCK And, of course, Peachtree Ridge will take on Warner Robins tonight in that final semifinal game.

There's a kick to kick off and it's fielded by numbers number five, Jacob Jones.

And Jones is brought down at the 32 yard line.

Nice job by Cohen Cook.

The senior got down there for the big hit.

So Lincoln County goes back to work on offense at the 31 yard line led by quarterback Brandon Barton.

He's the senior stand six for 205 D.J.

You know, standing at six four for a quarterback, that's pretty good and.

It's pretty good.

But even what's better, in fact, this kid's already scored over 2000 points on his S.A.T.

and has committed to Virginia Tech.

So the kid not only is a nice physical specimen, but he's a smart kid as well.

You see the scoring drive for commerce as they put three on the board.

Barton scrambles in the backfield and under pressure, finally runs out of bounds at about the 29 yard line.

Good defense by the Commerce Tigers, T.J..

Indeed.

Of course.

We'll be talking about the quarterback, Barton.

You know, his GPA is 93%.

Now, that's pretty going good.

93%.

That's that's a in my book.

Yes, in my book to.

Brandon Barton of Lincoln County in his senior season, there's four total yards so far for the game, Lincoln County 104 and Thomas with 72.

As the defenses prove to be tough.

In this single-A semifinal, Ricardo Norman looks to turn the corner on the left side.

Get to about the 35 yard line, stop by number 55.

Dante Martin Tell you what, that's a great pursuit.

Angles, take it here.

If you take a look at the play here at the Top Sweet by Ricardo Norman.

He can't get outside of this quick commerce defense there.

Great job of leverage by Lonzo Hough keeping his outside shoulder free.

And you don't understand how important it is when you're going up against a speedy team like Lincoln County, maintaining that leverage and keeping your outside sweet outside arm free so that you can't let your guy outside of your.

Day balls placed in the 36 yard line, a third and five for Lincoln County, two wideouts split, one left and one to the right.

Now the referee's stop play and Lincoln County calls a time out.

So Larry Campbell might have something up his sleeve here in this final minute, 28 to see about getting on the board one more time.

By the way, folks, this game can also be viewed live on the GPB Internet site around the world at WW dot GPB dot org.

Just follow the links to connect to the game.

Every game will be archived and available on the GPB website as well.

That's WW dot GPB dot org and deejay.

Isn't it nice to know you can go home and just watch it right there?

I mean, you get to see us.

I mean, you get to do the game in the afternoon, you get to see it later on this afternoon.

I mean, hey, you know, get beat that.

It works out just fine over the upcoming holidays when all the families around you get an opportunity to pull it out there and you get.

There you go.

Show us doing our thing, huh?

Timeouts, remaining commerce s two so far left in.

The half and Lincoln County has used up all their timeouts.

Well, we said it would be a defensive struggle for both teams.

These defenses are tough.

The offenses have been struggling big time.

Lincoln County trying to get some more points on the board.

We got a double reverse here no fake down on the energy and around this is down Norman trying to break loose and Daryl Norman in got some real estate and he also has a lot of speed he gets it down to the 20 yard line finally brought down.

By number 55.

Don't mind.

What you just saw is what I was talking about a little earlier.

Nice plays in the defense of commerce for being able to contain these speedy backs.

Both these Norman kids are outstanding, but more importantly here you're seeing the open field running of Darryl Norman, the leading rusher for this Lincoln County team.

Great job in open field.

This kid obviously has great vision and he's in a very elusive running back.

That play was good for 44 yards.

Barton looks downfield and incomplete intended for number 27 Alex Bradford as they tried to get on the board quickly and I'll tell you what Larry Campbell did pull something out of his bag a trick.

He did there I know that Barton obviously missed five there because he had Alex Bradford in the seams there, but just overthrow him just a little bit.

The crowd is buzzing after that big play and now Thomas wants to take a time out and talk about it.

As Larry Campbell threw a surprise at the Tiger defense, 106 till half time.

While we have this time out early, we had a chance to talk to head coach Larry Campbell and talk about why it's so special to to coach these special Red Devils from Lincolnton.

I, I got quite a few seniors and a lot of people return from last year, but offensive and defensive linemen were just about completely all new.

And a key to our season was going to be how well those kids, you know, where they got better or why they didn't get better.

And fortunately have and to get to this point in class, you can't have any injuries.

And we've been very fortunate in that area, too, to avoid any major, major injuries.

We've been beat up a few times, but nobody's been out for the season yet.

Legendary coach Larry Campbell 401 wins just 69 losses and three times three ties.

The winningest coach ever in Georgia, high school football, an incredible.

Incredible coach from Lincoln Center.

Barton in trouble on the scramble looks downfield throws How is it man it's a long day Norman What.

A catch by Ron Norman What a play by Barton D.J absolutely.

Aided.

Yes, indeed.

Of course.

Breathing down his neck was Donte Martin.

As you'll see, Barton rolls a little bit to his right there, but right there, Donte Martin heavy on his trail.

He's able to get the ball downfield and caught by Norman Nice execution.

And he threw that ball in traffic.

Yes.

I mean, there were three tigers right around him.

Yes, absolutely.

It's one thing to be able to, you know, to throw and complete a pass.

But when you're throwing it, knowing that you have, you know, a six foot £200 linebacker, you know, hit you in the jaw when you get thrown, you know, when you release the ball.

That's another story.

You know?

Yeah.

I remember the days.

So now we have a first down at the 11 yard line.

So Lincoln County can actually pick up a first down at the one.

But time is critical.

Now, just 58 seconds to go till halftime.

Barton left in trouble again, looks downfield.

Barton finally decides to take it and run it downfield.

And he gets inside the ten yard line.

Actually, they mark him out at the ten yard line and he was forced out by a couple of you get it?

Defenders from cameras, you get to the number seven dusty block.

Take a look at the nifty feet of Barton as he eluded the rush there by dusty black but able again to get outside there and a play that probably should have been a sack.

So that play took 8 seconds off the clock.

It's now second down.

Brandon Barton there you see his numbers on the day, four or five for 32 yards.

He's also rushed six times for 29.

The senior has had a busy day as both quarterbacks have won wide.

Out to the left Barton looks throws and incomplete the intended for Tyler Beal coming out of the backfield.

If he would have been able to get that ball to Tyler Beal he would have walked into the end zone really, really easily on that.

But of course, the rush, the stunts coming at him, obviously it was pulled up a little short.

Larry Campbell calling in the next play, the big third down and nine for Lincoln County is that coach gets a shot there of Brandon Barton in the huddle with the team.

So at third and nine, Barton two step drop looks in the end zone fires and that's going to be pass interference JT is Jones the intended receiver Tony Crawford, the defensive back on the play and that could set up a first down and goal for Lincoln County.

Well, when you get down here on the goal, obviously you don't want them to catch a touchdown.

But if you don't think that you can cover the guy, Tony Crawford did what he had to do.

But, you know, your bottom line is on a fade route, you got to get your head around them as a defensive back because the ball is once is in the air is yours as well.

And you see that he never got his head around.

That's what he's guilty of.

But he's not the interference by the defense.

Half the distance of the goal automatic first down.

So there you have it first and goal as a referee.

Jim McLeod explains it first and goal for Lincoln County at the five yard line one one out to the left Barton drops back looks in the end zone now fires has a man and that's Beal again and Tyler Beal gets back to the line of scrimmage at the five yard line clock continues to run remember Lincoln County has no timeouts 25 seconds and counting on second and goal and Barton just throws it down to stop the clock with 20 seconds setting up a third down from the six yard line.

One thing for sure Commerce defensive coaches are doing a great job of sending guys after Barton on the pass plays here.

Of course, not making it easy for him.

You know, when guys are flying around in your face, you got to make a decision.

You got to just sit back there and pick and choose.

Where you see head coach Steve Savage, just another winning coach over the years.

SAVAGE As a head coach, Savage won 57, 62 and oh, what a great year.

A great years of commerce pass over the over the middle.

And they have more pass interference coming up.

Pass was intended for Alex Bradford and Tony Crawford was on that play again.

Actually Josh Hill was the corner in this play.

We'll take a look at it as Barton just raises up and wants to hit the slant here.

As you see Josh Hill, you know what?

I beg to differ.

As a former defensive pass interference by the defense, half the distance to the goal automatic first down that ball should be just as much Josh Hill as it would be the receiver.

But that's why I'm up here in the booth and that's why those guys in striped shirts are where they are.

That's yeah, you're right about first and goal the three but more importantly just 15 seconds to go so they're going have to punch it in here soon Barnes in trouble and down goes, buddy.

Brought down by number seven Dusty block and a great play by number 55 Dante.

Martin That's what I'm talking about.

Not giving this young man an opportunity.

The clock's running and they have run out of time.

Gets it.

Great job by commerce.

Take a look at this here.

The big, strong quarterback standing in the pocket gets it right in the mouth by Dusty Black.

And you don't give him time to even think about it.

Now.

The momentum definitely will be with comers going in after a big play on defense.

Seven three Lincoln County over Commerce will take a time out, be back for the halftime festivities.

Well, first, let's take it downstairs to Gerald delivery Gerald.

Thanks a lot, Jim.

I'm here with Coach Campbell.

Just talk about that last series.

It was a lot of emotion out there.

What would happen?

Stupid mistakes on a head.

Coach, poor play.

Calling wouldn't happen.

What, if anything, do you think your team can improve on in the second half?

You got to start in the midline.

See what the run.

On the midline in there.

We practiced it all week.

Linebackers aren't getting on the midline.

You got to stop it.

I would text.

Thanks a lot, coach.

Good luck in the second half.

Back up to you, Jim.

Thank you, Gerald.

And what can you say to coach when he says it?

That's it.

Yeah.

Halftime here at the Georgia Dome.

Lincoln County has the lead over Commerce seven three halftime festivities coming your way right after this.

And welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

Halftime of the class, a football semifinal between Lincoln County.

It covers, of course, the Red Devils have the lead over the Tigers 7 to 3.

And now we watch the Marching Tiger Band.

Now the band director is Jack Balthazar.

There are 69 band members on the field, and they're going to have a performance of Crazy, Wild and Free Crazy Train by Ozzy Osborne, Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf and Freebird by Leonard Skinner.

Which is a.

By the Commerce High School Marching Tiger Band.

Let's go downstairs to Gerald Oliver.

Gerald.

Thanks and thanks a lot, Jim.

I'm here with Jack Balthazar, the band director for the Marching Tiger Band.

This is his fifth season as the band director, and it's been six years since you've been back here.

Just talk about the feeling of playing back in the dome again.

Oh, the kids are real excited because they're old enough to remember the last time.

So we were here six years ago and they've heard all the stories and so they are really been excited.

This is a highlight for all of them.

Talk about the community support of supporting the band and coming down here as they play.

Well, our our people are great newcomers.

People get behind in everything that we do.

They love this band.

They love our our program, and they support in everything they do.

They're really good for us.

How about upcoming performances?

Do you have any performances of note you want to talk about?

We are our next big performance is a performance in April at Disney World in Orlando.

And these kids are really excited about that.

Get a few days down in the sun and go to the beach and do all that kind of stuff.

Oh, hang out with Mickey Mouse as well hanging out with Mickey Mouse as well.

Also, just talk about just being back here.

Last time you were here, the team won the game and went on to the state.

Well, it was exciting.

We were behind the whole first half.

We didn't get anything going.

It was Lincoln County again last time and then right in the last quarter our running back broke loose and we wanted at the end when we won the state championship.

Our.

Thanks a lot, Jack.

Good to speak with you soon to back up to Jim.

I thank you Gerald halftime festival days roll on here from the Georgia Dome.

Up next, the rebel debt, the Red Devil Pride Band as they're taking the field.

We'll have it for you right after this.

Back here at the Georgia Dome halftime of the GHC single-A semifinal final, Lincoln County leading at 7 to 3.

On the field now is the Red Devil Pride Band under the direction of band director Jasper Dukes.

They're playing songs today of Waiting For Tonight the Nigerian Mambo.

And Isn't She Lovely?

The way the Red Devil Pride Band from Lincoln County.

Now we go down stairs The Journal Delivery Journal.

Hey, thanks a lot, Jim.

I'm here with Jasper Dukes.

Now, four out of the five years that you've been the band director, you brought the band to the Georgia Dome.

You're like a veteran.

It feels that way.

All the students have worked extremely hard.

They look forward to this year, and we're just so privileged to have the opportunity to be back here again.

The band has played well here today.

I know they've won 24 trophies on the year.

You must be very proud of them, extremely proud of the kids, work hard of us said.

And we get great support from the parents, from the community and especially our band Booster Club.

They work extremely hard to support the band.

The band has done well today.

We appreciate your being here with us and thank you for the performance by singing back up to you, Jim.

All right.

Thanks, Gerald.

Halftime festivities.

Roll on.

Here are the first half highlights.

We're going to call these the lucky seven highlights because number seven, Darrell Norman, 22 yard touchdown run right here for Lincoln County DJ.

Great.

Awesome run there.

Great individual effort getting the ball into the end zone for Lincoln County.

Now, speaking of Lucky seven, hey.

Oh, by the way, number seven, Dustin Black, a 24 yard field goal.

He's a versatile athlete, as you see him kicking the field goal there.

And it made it seven three and then, oh, by the way, Lucky seven again, it's dusty black number seven.

I mentioned that versatility.

He gets in on the sack.

There to put Brandon down.

And so the lucky seven highlights are done and there's your halftime numbers.

And I'll tell you what, that defense, the Lincoln County is amazing, only giving up 72 total yards.

Look at Carolina.

He is on in 55 as it is.

But the good thing about those 72 yards that commerce has, they've eaten up 11 minutes and 17 seconds of clock.

Incredible So it's interesting.

We sit off the top of the show about defense, you know, taking control of the football game.

And they certainly have here.

Let's go downstairs to Gerald delivery.

Gerald.

Hey, Jim.

I'm here with Coach Savage now four except for that one long drive at the end of the second quarter.

I mean, pretty much it was back and forth.

And you got to be happy with the way things are so far.

Oh, I'm happy with the score being 7 to 3 right now.

I thought we did a good job of holding them out of the end zone.

Then at the end it didn't look good for a while, but we finally held them out.

What do you plan to do different, if anything, in the second half?

We're going to try to do the same thing we've been doing.

I suspect they'll try to do the same thing that we're doing as well and and see if we can score more points in the second half needed.

All right.

Well, good luck, Coach.

Listening back up to you, Jim.

That's usually the secret.

Coming up next, the second half kickoff between Lincoln County and Commerce.

We'll have it for you on GPB.

Welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

Lincoln County leads at seven three over commerce as we begin the third quarter of playing the single eight football semi final.

And of course, a close game.

And no surprise between these two of the 13 meetings between these two teams, six of these have been decided by seven points or less.

So no surprise there kicking off as Vince Tarver for Lincoln County back into receiver Tony Crawford and Josh and the second half is underway with an angled kick that goes out of bounds at the 11 yard line.

Jim, keep in mind, they're finishing the last play of the first.

The momentum shifted in my mind to commerce with the sack on Brandon Bartman.

Now they get the ball back if they're able to go down the field.

Is this game here could be one of the best.

And the couple of days that we've been doing these broadcast.

Reuben Haynes, there you see him taking the field, the quarterback for Commerce and the junior has had a busy, busy day, both running and throwing the football.

And so here it is, first and ten at the 35 at the.

End of it, going out of bounds by Lincoln County hits mark at the 35 the first play from and look out Reuben Haynes is brought down immediately by number 42 he's crying what a play by Craig.

Well obviously usually coach Campbell has gone back in that half time.

It must have had something to say because the defense comes out an outstanding play their back right getting to a quarterback that actually gave him fits a little earlier see there great job of getting we see any of this in the first half we saw more a whole lot of pace getting out on the edge and gaining passing yards.

Not that time.

That's right.

That was for a negative two for that sets up a second.

And 12 to wide outs to the right one set back in.

Motion.

The pitch goes to number five.

That's Houghton and Adams is run out of.

Bounds by number eight.

Ricardo Norman, Lincoln County, out of the gate.

And boy, I tell you what, they're just like using their speed to their advantage.

Well, you saw going in when we did get a chance to hear from Coach Campbell, he went to Happy.

He it was his fault.

So I can only imagine he went in and lit a fire up under Lincoln County.

And the first two plays definitely have been in favor of Lincoln County.

Well, you know, they gave up 72 yards in the first half and now they've given up negative four.

So I think it's I mean, they're working it back there, you know, and then the.

Thing I think I think.

Larry is trying to get it under 20 yards per game or something.

Third and 14 for commerce and the handoff up the middle, it's Womack.

And he might have picked up the yard.

Boy, look at that number 42.

He's right on the play again.

Well, is he's a head knocker there, man.

He's the head one, always the leader, one of the big leaders on that defense.

And again two big plays here in his opening series.

And it looks like Womack is limping.

Number 21 for Commerce, trying to catch his breath as we get set for a fourth down here dusty black back to punt with Thomas back deep is Ron Norman number nine for Lincoln County.

Here's a punt.

It's a hand over and kick and this one hits a 35 and takes a thomas roll.

And wow, it goes all the way to the 17, 18 yard line of Lincoln County.

And that's where the red devil offense will go back to work.

Led by quarterback Brandon Barton.

I'm sure the coach cam is going to have some words for Ron Norman.

Not normally letting a ball hit the ground, he usually feels it.

But Diana Kent losing, about 18 yards there with the bounce that he could have eliminated by just catching it.

There you see Larry Campbell, a lot of success over the years as Brandon Barton, the quarterback, the senior, and the handoff goes to number four, Franklin Jones.

Jones has carried the ball a handful of times today.

Dante Martin with the stop number 55 for Commerce.

We'll be eager to see what affect that that little breaking again going in at halftime.

The momentum as I thought shifted with commerce and we'll see how they play on the defensive side says that the offense didn't come out and answer the bill.

Ball's mark at the 20 yard line sets up a second down and eight good shot from our end zone camera of the quarterback Brandon Barton Barton with the pitch to a corner Norman Norman tries to turn the corner and what a defensive play by number 57 Morgan Adams of Commerce.

Morgan Adams the textbook play here, controlling and playing discipline in with his assignment.

Obviously you see him come into the picture there was able to beat the block there and make a nice tackles for loss.

So the ball's move back to about the 17 yard line.

As you look at Morgan Adams from commerce stand, 63 to 25.

He's a senior.

There's Barton, the.

Quarterback who's at six for two low five.

Barton looks down hill fires off a man complete the number 27 Alex Bradford.

And looks like Bradford has plenty for a first down for Lincoln County Good play D Jack.

Now this might look like an ordinary play, but if you noticed the pass here, he's standing on the hash on one side and he's completing an out to the opposite side of the field.

That's a good throw and accurate.

Drove by a very good football player.

Good pitch and catch first down Lincoln County at the 34 yard line.

Some of the fans that made the trip for the semifinal.

Game here in the Georgia Dome and the keeper pardon he's across the 40 to the 45 midfield is Barton into commerce territory at the 47 yard line.

Finally stopped by number one Tony Cropper here's another.

Look at the quickness of Barton getting to the edge here six, five, £220 showing some good quickness there for a nice pick up the ball fake up inside and again turning on the astro burners.

Good play by Barton So at the 47 yard line first and ten Larry Campbell likes what he sees so.

Here in the early going of the second half pitch by Barton number seven down Norman and Norman.

Again cannot turn the corner Great defensive play by number five Taylor Adams.

And as you notice on this pitch, it's just a little behind him there.

But that was just enough to get Taylor Adams an opportunity to get a hand on him and get him to the ground.

We mentioned during the earlier Darrell Norman is one of the fastest players on the field, if not probably in the in all high school football here in the state.

If he turns the corner, you'll get a chance to see just how fast he is.

He's an incredible athlete.

He's also a sprinter on the track team for Lincoln County.

What does that tell you?

How long to Norman in motion Barton on the keeper and he gets up to about the 35 yard line Great play by Barton finally brought down by number seven Be glad.

Barton once again doing a good job of moving the chains for the Lincoln County offense.

The Big Six five quarterback taking exactly what the Tigers defense is giving him.

The clock continues to count down 730 coming up on the left in the third quarter, one wideout.

To the left, Matthew Norman in motion.

Handoff up the middle.

That's number three.

Tyler Beal.

Beal crosses inside the 30 and then runs into a traffic jam.

Beal up inside for some tough yardage there He's so low to the ground there, he almost gets it you need to do it just gets caught hidden behind the offensive line of Lincoln County.

He's coming out with.

So the ball's at the 29 yard line and under 7 minutes to go.

The Red Devils just keep running the football and running the clock and running the football.

Running the clock.

And that's what it's about.

Second, fourth and the handoff to Tyler Beal and Beal maybe picks up a yard on the play stop by number 79 Aaron Hollins.

Holland Great job of getting penetration on this very talented Lincoln County offensive line to make the play.

But you know, the whole thing with running this football, the way they have been here and so far in the first half and also in the second half, is that is it clock?

And I know that this is a low scoring game thus far, but it won't be a whole lot of point scored if they continue to play the way they're playing.

Fake third down and two for Lincoln Day and Barton on the ball.

You're going nowhere.

Brought down again by number 79 Aaron Holland good defensive play by.

Great job by the converse defense his s Hollins done it right into the running lane to make the play.

Also assisted by number 31 Brandon Turner on defense.

Tigers were all over the Red Devils on that one.

And there it goes.

Brandon Turner off the field.

Take a breather.

So it sets up a fourth and two and looks like Larry Campbell has decided to go.

For it.

At the 27.

So this.

Is a big play in the game right here for Lincoln County and Thomas crowd on their feet here at the Georgia Dome on a fourth and two break shut down the line of scrimmage Barton rolls right as a man goes over Norman.

Incomplete and commerce will take over on.

Down once again.

Dusty Black had something to do with that play not being completed for County but that was, as you mention, a huge play.

Take a another look at it here is Barton play action fake rolls a little bit to the right tries to place it in there but obviously Dusty Black was between the ball, actually the receiver and the quarterback.

All right, T.J., we'll take a time out here from the Georgia Dome.

Minutes, 12 seconds left.

Third quarter, Lincoln County leaves it seven three and back here at the Georgia Dome, Reuben Haynes took a shot on that play and being checked out by the trainer.

D Travis Hurst.

Okay, Wild while the Reuben Haynes gets worked on by the trainer, we'll take a timeout now from the Georgia Dome.

We'll be back with more third quarter action right after this.

Welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

Lincoln County leads the third quarter over Commerce seven three quarterback Reuben Haynes for Commerce took a hit on that last play and we might see we might see the backup come in.

And tell you to Travis.

First and then the.

Big defensive lineman from Lincoln County.

He got a big, big hit on him and he was a little gimpy coming into the second half.

Dusty block is in and a quarterback in the shotgun he takes the snap and takes it upfield.

Dustin still on his feet at the 25 Molly down at the 26 yard line Good play by Dustin Black Good defensive play by number 25 Darnell Wind.

Black is no no stranger to all the action today here you take a look at him quarterback draw up inside for some positive yardage but he's also kicked a field goal in the first half and was responsible for that set by Commerce on Lincoln County going in to halftime.

There's Rueben Haynes on the sidelines and looks like he's getting ready to come back in for this big third and 11 for commerce at the 26 yard line clock continues to run there's head coach Steve Savage his team trailing by.

Four.

Houston third and 11 brings give it to the right side but the handoff goes up the middle to Randy Womack.

And Womack has stopped Cole.

On a third and 11.

Jeffrey Porter, number ten of Lincoln County.

Unlike the first half when he was running up inside knowing Mack was getting positive yardage, Lincoln County was able to nullify that.

Jeffrey Porter, the outstanding linebacker.

Dusty BLOCK, there you see him ready to punt it away for commerce.

Back Deep is number nine for Lincoln County.

That's Randy Norman.

Here's the kick.

This one hits at the 43, then takes a bounce and he lets it roll.

And this one's going to roll to the 22 yard line of Lincoln.

And that's where they'll take over first deep ten.

Some good punting today.

DJ had some good punting in, but what we're seeing here, some very good defense by both teams and man coming into this game.

We knew that the Lincoln County and Commerce both had great defenses.

But then I tell you, they've certainly done an excellent job here in the air so far for the first half in here.

Early in the second.

Half, the 49 yard punt by Dusty BLOCK and Lincoln County started their own 22 yard line.

There you see total yards on the game.

Lincoln County.

I'll tell you what they've three times the total yards of commerce, but yet it's only a four point lead by the Red Devils.

Hands down first and ten for the Red Devils.

On their own 22.

And that's Darrell Norman.

And Gordon Norman.

Looks like he has enough for a first down.

It's a nice play.

That's actually the same play that he scored on in the first half.

Darrell Norman, nearly a thousand yards rushing here and of course, the leading rusher out of the Norman Boys that play both ways for.

Lincoln County.

And they want to measure this one.

They see Darrell Norman's numbers, seven rushes, 76 yards and a touchdown.

And he has it by that much.

You know, these Norman boys are all cousins and they're all seniors.

And you wonder, will they all go to the same school?

Yeah.

I mean, college, that is after after this football, high school, football careers.

Well, I tell you one thing, Coach Campbell is going to miss them next year.

Yes Harden on the keeper.

Barton crosses the 40 and gets through about the 43, 44 yard line brought down by number five.

TAYLOR Adam Well, I'll tell you what.

What were you able to see just on that last play was a great individual effort by Brandon Barton avoiding the stoppage there.

Great penetration by the right side of Converse, actually a tackle being missed there by Dante Martin.

But the elusiveness of Brandon Barton, as you can see there, should have been tackled but was able, big and strong enough to break loose and get some extra yardage.

So the ball is marked at the 43 yard line for Lincoln County.

Line perfectly ten.

Marvin Rose right looks downfield throws it up got a man down there this one kicked off my number one.

Tony Crawford.

Tony Crawford was definitely in great position there to make it play.

He wasn't going to be outrun.

But again, apparently he didn't bite as the ball fake.

You see here a little play action pass there and apparently Brandon thought maybe that the corner would have been biting, but he stayed back.

Great discipline in his coverage.

And this is like basically a long putt.

Nobody's hurt.

But again, I know the delegate count is missing out on an opportunity to score.

Good point.

Tony Crawford with the interception.

There you see the senior being congratulated by the coaching staff and these other players on the football team.

So Commerce takes over on the first ten at the 12 yard line.

Haynes quick drop and looks to find Josh Hill coming over the middle passes incomplete.

He had it He had hill open wasn't able to get the ball to him there but I like the decision making there about the commerce offensive coaches.

They had to try to hit something big.

Defense has been the name of the game today, T.J..

It is, I'll tell you.

But commerce is going to have to get better field position in order to get things going here.

We're backed up on this hungry, very aggressive looking kind of defense.

Here's Rueben Haynes and he picks up a couple of yards.

It's pretty amazing when you think about it.

Here we are, two minute mark left in the third quarter and commerce with only 74 yards total offense.

That says a lot about Lincoln County and what they've been able to do.

I mean, incredible the history of defense.

You know, that's what it is.

I mean, it's always been said defense wins championships.

As great as Lincoln County has been playing defense, those go 72 yards that Thomas was able to get in the first half, didn't take the picture because they held on to the ball.

An awfully long time.

There you see the turnovers.

Lincoln County with two turnovers.

Thomas has yet to turn it over.

He's under center.

The handoff it's Womack and Womack goes through the middle, picks up a couple before being knocked down by a number 42 keys crying and.

Let me tell you he's great was just a tackle away from Womack going all the way.

But that's what it's all about.

I mean, when it's your time to make a play, you got to make a play.

Because if he didn't make that play, Womack would've been still running, right?

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

There's case create cases six feet tall, £215, a senior and a division one prospect.

I mean, he's very talented young man for Lincoln County, first down Commerce as they measure.

And so he says, okay, guys, let's let's make sure we stop him this time around.

Coming up on a minute left.

In the third quarter, Hayes hits it and is brought down at about the 27 yard line pick up of a couple of yards, stop number eight, Ricardo Norman.

Well, Robert Jones did a wonderful job of blowing that play up or what appeared to blow the play up there at the start.

But again, great presence of mind by the quarterback to continue on on the edge and keep the ball to pick up some good yardage.

30 seconds and counting in the third quarter.

Two way outs, one to the.

Left, one to the right, man in motion and the handoff straight up the gut.

And I believe it's Womack again.

And crosses over the 30 yard line about the 31.

And it looks like commerce is going to let this one run out.

What we're witnessing here, the last few plays is a lot of what the commerce offense was able to do in the first half is to gain positive judges.

They eat a.

Lot of cloth, 36 minutes in the books, 12 minutes left in this.

single-A football semifinal from the Georgia Dome.

Lincoln County has the lead over commerce seven three.

Welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

We get ready for the fourth quarter.

Lincoln County leading seven three.

Let's go downstairs to Gerald Ellsbury Gerald.

Hey, Jim, as we take a look at number 21, Randy, he's been running the ball very efficiently today.

We look back at last year, he actually was at the Georgia Dome when Lincoln County played here and they watched the game from the Lincoln County sidelines.

He said looking up in the Georgia Dome kind of made him dizzy.

And I coach Savage said he hoped his team didn't get consumed by playing him and dome.

And it looks like they haven't so far.

Done a good job so far.

Thank you, Gerald.

12 minutes left in the single-A football semifinal.

A big third and two for Thomas, the 31 yard line.

And we're going to have decided to keep it.

And it was a mistake on his part because he was behind the line of scrimmage.

Number three, Tyler Beal.

Another big play by Tyler Beal here, crashing down here of course wrapping up and good doing a good job on bringing the quarterback down.

Take another look at it.

He's coming right down the line there and took the quarterback.

His assignment was the quarterback which in the first half, according to coach Campbell, the quarterback wasn't being taken care of.

But Beal did a great job there.

Dusty BLOCK 2.4 Thomas Back date for Lincoln County is Ron Norman.

Is the Port Andover and fielded by Ron Norman at the 44 and knocked out of bounds at midfield.

That's where Lincoln county will start first and ten.

So ron finally got a chance to return one b.j.

Well, I'm sure after the urging of coach campbell by letting the first couple get on the ground and roll for positive yardage, the.

Commerce in lincoln county looking for their 11th state championship head coach, Larry Campbell.

There are 11 minutes and 14 seconds away from another state championship game.

Barton handoff is Norman now whistles blow as the play is stopped might be a false start on the offense.

You know Jim as we talk about coach Larry Campbell, we have an opportunity.

Again, there's a lot of speculation that this might be his last season.

Again, you know, there's been talk about he says that he's not letting in, letting all, but he's going to think about it after the season knocked dead ball.

False start by the offense five yards first down.

I think people have been saying that for a long time.

But I think they made a bigger deal out of it.

More so this year than any time.

Yeah, but boy, truly a great job.

And he's done over 400 victories.

Yes, indeed.

1111 to play first and 15 for the Red Devils.

And the handoff the one time Norman and Norman to the 40, 35, 30 prompt Norman could go all the way He's at the five and touchdown run to Norman.

Taking a look here and again Norman takes the hand up there just goes up in between the garden tackle and actually gets a little move to the outside.

It turns on the afterburners and hits paydirt.

And it's that last stretch in the corner of the end zone that did it, T.J., as he races these 55 yards for the touchdown.

Watch him stretch right there.

Ball crosses the plane.

Touchdown.

Lincoln County, the runner.

Is stepped out of bounds on the three yard line.

There is no touchdown.

First and go now that we were watching the ball, the referees were watching his feet, which were more important because they say they stepped out of bounds.

Taylor Adams might be the guy, number five who pushed him out of bounds.

Here it is again coming down the sidelines.

Well, one thing is for sure it.

Is right.

There.

I think this for sure is no replay in high school football.

And I thought that I saw one of the referees signal a touchdown.

So I don't know what happened here.

Maybe he was over overruled by the umpire.

Well, and it was the right call as as as usual, these referees are on top of their game.

I mean, they make the right call.

And so now it's a first and goal for Lincoln County pardon the keeper party for the touchdown.

Well, that's no doubt about it.

Now, that's definitely a touchdown here.

But a great individual effort by Grant Norman to get the Red Devils in position to score another touchdown.

So it's 13 to 3.

Lincoln County and Vance Tarver, number 89, is on the field to attempt the extra point.

There you see Tarver, there's the snap, the hold, the kick gets up and it's good.

And with 1057 left to play in the fourth quarter, Lincoln County now has an 11 point lead over Commerce 14 to 3.

DJ Yes.

Indeed.

And you see that honestly, the momentum.

Now back with Lincoln County.

Take another look at that touchdown run there.

But Brandon Barton getting behind the £220 and forcing his way into the end zone.

It's nice to be six foot four and be able to stretch like that.

Yes.

And the fans from Lincoln ten are on their feet here at the Georgia Dome.

As you look at all the angles for that touchdown run by Brandon Barnhart, crew is on top of it, as usual, from every angle under the big top.

There you see the Red Devils and they are excited and they're looking at this thing and they're saying, hey, we're ready to play for this championship scoring drive.

Two plays, 50 yards time, just 17 seconds.

And of course, Bryan with a three yard touchdown run and DJ, this is a time in their life these kids are never going to forget this.

You're right, because, again, you know, many of these kids, unlike Barton, won't ever play another game of football again.

They'll play it right here in the dome.

Vance Tarver to kick it off, Tony Crawford, Josh Hill back deep three seed for commerce This is Crawford from his own five to the 2025 and brought down it's Tony Crawford Good special teams play by number 25 Darnell win.

Great tackle on the kickoff coverage unit by Winn this drive is going to tell us a lot about commerce if they can come back and answer the bell after of course getting down now 14 three.

There you see the close up of quarterback Rueben Hayes as the Tigers start their own 25 yard line first and ten Heinz hands off.

That's Randy Womack again.

And Womack fights his way to about the 31 yard line pick, up about six.

It'll be second and four.

Hayes gives the ball up inside to his big full back, who has brought his lunch pail to the dome the day this young man, Womack has certainly put in his days of work, earning his yardage the hard way.

Brought his lunch pail to the.

Dome.

Got a light at second hand for Fort Thomas at the 30.

One yard line, hangs on the keeper and all want to stop.

By number ten linebacker Geoffrey Porter.

Ford is the guy great read, great tackle.

As we hit the ten minute mark and still counting left in the fourth quarter.

Jerry Porter.

Leading tackler for that Lincoln County Red Devils defense over 101 stops on the year.

Stands five nine £200.

He's a senior so he'll be graduating.

He's another division one prospect for Lincoln County, third and one for Thomas.

The pitch to number nine, that's Josh Hill.

And Hill takes a hit, big time hit from number 25.

Darnell Winn also on the play and number 75, Tony Wells.

You have to love the way the defensive back Darnell Winn came up to make the play.

That's back to back Great plays by Winn.

Just love it when those DBS come up and hit like linebackers.

The commas did get a first down on the play as the ball's market for 37 yard line hangs on the keeper again, Haynes in trouble again and brought down by number ten, Jeffrey Porter again.

Well Kentucky's great had a lot to do with that, but these guys are playing together, man.

They understand their assignments.

Unlike in the first half where the quarterback was not taking care of in the pitch, man.

But these guys now have their assignments down.

They are doing what they need to do to stop that triple threat of that commerce offense.

Remember coming into this game, Lincoln County only up 45 points in their first 13 games.

So here they've only given up three.

I mean, B.J., if they maybe if they pitch a shutout in the championship, it's under 50.

Incredible Here's the pitch to Josh Hill.

And Hill is brought down in behind the line of scrimmage by number five, Julius Jones.

And that speed of Lincoln County on defense.

It's I mean, you can see it now.

You can't see it.

But, you know, you mention the three points that they've given up today.

Do you think that probably upset him a little bit at halftime?

Yes.

So They're going to shut down mode right now.

Yeah.

I mean, they've just now given up 100 yards for the game or they're 99 yards and Lincoln County with 286.

So I guess that's why they're fired up.

They don't want to give up that triple digit and total yards.

Time out on the field is Coach Savage from Commerce?

He's scratching his head.

He said, okay, guys, we've got to get this thing regrouped and and let's see how we can score against this tough defense.

Hey, it's viewers like you that help make great local programs like these high school football games possible on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

To show your support, simply visit our website at WW W Dot GPB Dawg it's totally secure, simple to use and takes just 2 minutes and thank you for supporting Georgia Public Broadcasting and we're happy to bring you these games as we do each every year and the first couple of weeks of December as we count down to the big holiday season here in downtown Atlanta.

And it's wonderful to be indoors knowing it's about 35 degrees outside and a comfortable 72 inside.

Absolutely perfect game conditions for both teams.

And I know that you they had a choice whether they could play this outside or inside, not unanimously.

I know that they'd be right here.

There you see the big top.

It's it's quite a quite a sight downtown.

This stands 27 stories high.

Rez Haynes again looking downfield incomplete intended for Tony Crawford and Dusty BLOCK also in the play there.

Crawford couldn't quite come down with the catch, which brings up a punting situation for the Commerce Tigers.

And there is dusty block to punt it away for commerce.

He was actually the one that threw the ball in that play, not Reuben Haynes.

And here's the point.

He hits it the 36 and then bounces down and rolls and rolls and rolls down to about the 22 yard line.

And that's Lincoln County will take over first and ten.

When you look at the stretch and the runs that Lincoln County has made over the years, it is totally incredible.

I mean, the first three titles came in the sixties and 60, 62, 63, Larry Campbell comes into the picture in 72 and then they real off ten straight championships, including last year in 2005.

There's Brandon Barnes numbers on the year but for the game I should say here's the pitch to Norman.

Norman tries to turn the corner.

The 25, it is knocked out of bounds by number nine.

Josh Hill But the d.j, when you look at the numbers and you know Larry Campbell takes over in 72 and then they win a championship and 76, 77, 85, 86, 87, 89, 9093, 95, oh.

Then he had a ten year delay there and then came back in 2005 did it again, and now he's in the running to do it back to back years.

There you see the 300 Win Club.

And there you see Larry Campbell, the most winningest coach in Georgia history.

At 401, Robert Davis is still coaching at West Side at 338.

So he's got a chance to maybe catch up to him.

In the meantime, it's Barton playing volleyball and he fumbled the ball down at the 41 yard line who recovered?

And it looks like it's going to be Lincoln County ball.

Barton got away with one there, boy breaking the loose for some good yardage, but lost the handle on it.

Fortunately for the Red Devils, they were able to recover.

Garrett MATTHEWS, number 62.

There you see him on your screen.

He's the one that jumped on the loose ball for Lincoln County to keep the drive alive for the Red Devils.

He's the center first and ten at the 41 yard line for Lincoln County.

Barton Hands off.

This is Norman.

Excuse me, Tyler Beal.

Beal has had a busy day both on defense now getting an opportunity to help the Red Devils out on offense.

Take a look up inside.

There he is.

Actually doesn't get touched until he gets to the linebacker.

So that deep offensive line of the Red Devils has been doing a wonderful job.

And there's Rupert Haynes on the sidelines, warming up after taking a big hit on the last play.

That's why Black was the quarterback, that last offensive play for Crawford 50 for Thomas handoff.

This is Darrel Norman down Norman goes straight up the gut gets to about the 46 yard line it the 48 yard line but that's good enough for a first down for the Red Devils that clock continues to run coming up on six and a half to go in the final quarter.

The man in motion is norman.

Handoff to Ron Norman and ron norman gets down to the 36 yard line.

Lincoln county continues to move the ball.

D.J yes, indeed.

In the elbow field feeling almost consistent.

The commerce defense wearing down.

As you take another look at this play, the offensive line just continues to pound on the defensive line of.

Commerce and these running backs are continuing to get some good yardage.

Good stop by number five, Taylor Adams and number ten, Alonzo Hunt for Commerce First and ten for Lincoln County.

6 minutes to play inside handoff.

That's Ricardo Norman, he picks up maybe a yard and they just keep pounding away.

Big stop by.

Josh Beauchamp in the middle of the pile there.

Bo Champ, of course, another division, one prospect for commerce.

The sack leader for commerce at four on the season.

There you see the defense of the Tigers and Brandon Barton at quarterback and off to Beal field still on his feet gets to about the 30 yard line Tyler Beal number three nice job by number seven Dusty block.

Nice run by the slippery fullback there and Beal up inside Nice little change up there where normally seeing the speed of the Norman boys but Beal up inside doing some of the dirty work.

Players are starting to wonder can we really come back from this 11 point deficit with under 5 minutes to go here at the 30 yard line third and four for Lincoln County and the pick there, Ricardo Norman.

Norman turns the corner.

He's inside the 25, the 21 yard line.

Ricardo Norman with a big run.

And another first down for Lincoln County.

Tony Crawford finally knocked him out of bounds, number one.

Here's another good look at that speed to the outside by Norman but a nice job by Tony Crawford staying home and that could have been a bigger play than it really was.

Thank goodness for Tony Crawford.

Ricardo Norman's numbers on the day five carries for 15 yards, averaging three yards a carry and again, some concern looks on these young kids faces from Thomas as the clock continues to run.

It's Norman with the handoff and it's Darryl.

Norman trying to break free as he gets inside the ten yard line down to about the nine good run by Darryl Norman.

So it's wrong.

Norman, it's Ricardo Norman.

It's Darryl Norman and it's Jared Harrell on the stop here for cameras.

One thing is for sure, these Norman will be surely missed by the Lincoln Red Devils next year.

Incredible run.

Darryl Norman on the day ten carries 96 yards and a touchdown So it's first and goal just inside the ten yard.

Line and a handoff and we have to stop at the play there's a.

Flag before the play actually was started that's probably going to be against Lincoln County.

Yeah.

Offside stare and looks like number 55.

Dante Martin had a really nice bead on that particular play just got the just a little early.

Actually they called this one against commerce.

Here's Gene McCloud.

Dead ball.

Encroachment.

By the defense five yards.

First down.

So now Steve Savage on it's now a first and goal from the five yard line for Lincoln County penalties have hurt commerce four for 17 yards Lincoln County just one for five yards first and goal from the five Norman in the backfield in motion on the keeper and he takes it up to about the three yard line setting up a second and goal for Lincoln County.

Was getting a little late in the day for commerce here but they I'll tell you need a big stop because the only the only hope that they have is that they can't get the ball back.

But again, down 14 with Lincoln County looking to score here, again, it's not looking too good, Jim.

It's amazing.

And you know, Lincoln County's playing in their 28th semi final, only trails by one by the leading score, which is fantastic.

Here's the keeper and it's Barton on the touchdown on Brandon.

Barton scores from three yards out and Lincoln County takes a 22 three lead.

But the senior quarterback has had a wonderful day scoring his second rushing touchdown on the day.

But take a look at him, faking it up inside, just tucking in underneath and getting behind to those £220 and just ended up in the end zone.

Great day for Brandon Barton.

Vance Tarver on to attempt the extra point for Lincoln County.

To snap the.

Hold.

The kid gets up down it is good so Vance Tarver, Lincoln County, a 21 to 3 lead with just 243 remaining.

Oh, yeah.

The Red Devils are feeling pretty good about one right now.

They're thinking championship game next weekend as Barton goes in one more time.

On the replay.

Another great run another great angle by Barton but where's the scoring drive?

11 plays, 78 yards took 5 minutes and 17 seconds earlier.

We had a chance to catch up with Lowry Campbell, and he told us what he likes best about coaching the Red Devils.

Hard question and I've been at it just the relationship with kids and I know a lot of folks say that, but it's sincere and and the only reason to stay in and at this point, it sure isn't about a number of wins or anything of that nature.

More and more, I'm giving myself more and more responsibility each year with defensive columns and offensive calls.

It gives me an opportunity to really get a lot closer to the kids.

And I really enjoy that part of it.

Head Coach Larry Campbell And I'll tell you what, he's had quite a run at Lincoln County.

Vance Tarver set to kick it off for Lincoln County, back deep is number one, Tony Crawford and number nine, Josh Hill for Commerce.

Well, I tell you what, you look at this, D.J., what what a coaching career for Coach Campbell taking that by the ten by Tony Crawford Crawford gets it out to about the 32 yard line and that's where commerce starts first and ten but, you know, you look at this and, you know, Lincoln County, they came in with 625 wins, the second best winning percentage in high school football behind Valdosta, Valdosta, 81%, Lincoln County, 73%.

They have now after today's game will be 626 wins for Lincoln County, Thomasville.

Second, most games win one ever 630.

So Lincoln County can pass that mark right next year.

So it's just incredible.

The run that Coach Campbell had with Lincoln County, big time Thomas on offense and block taking the snap there.

What do you say?

Bill's on the stump once again Tyler Beal.

Tyler Beal having a great game on both sides of the ball as is a number of ball players from each side from both Lincoln County and Commerce.

I mean, when you're having to play both sides of the ball for 48 minutes, I mean, that's, you know, you're going to be ready to take a nap.

You're absolutely right.

You know, you're talking about the great success that coach Larry Campbell has had.

But obviously, his most celebrated player that does that is he's coached former University of Georgia running back Garrison Hurst.

Absolutely.

Here's Womack.

And I'll tell you what, he's great.

Has had himself a ball game and so his number five, Jake, is Jones on defense for Lincoln County.

Those guys have certainly turned it up a notch here in the second half.

And again, I can guarantee you that going in after that interview, we heard of Coach Campbell going into halftime, he definitely lit the little fire up one of these guys because it's is definitely paying off for him now.

He's got a few years experience of doing that sort of thing, knowing what to say in the locker room, when to say it.

Here he went to happy going in, I'll tell you that.

Unbelievable.

It's at the 33 yard commerce has taken their time getting to the line of scrimmage Blake is the is playing quarterback in the shotgun he's taking the snap and running straight forward looks like we've seen the end of Reuben Haynes for the day Julius Jones makes the tackle on black.

Definitely want to take my hats off to head off to a room and hey and Randy Womack got the outstanding players for commerce and they did a tremendous job in the first half.

But again, you know, the physical game that it is and, the great defense, the defensive play by Lincoln County, it's just tough.

These guys, you know, it's no there's no reason why they have the best defense in the in class.

They incredible Lincoln County defense is out there on the field having their fans stand up in the stands.

There you see them they're excited they're going back to a championship game again 28 semi finals over the years and year.

What can you say about the Red Devils?

I mean, they're just incredible.

What a defensive team.

Dead ball.

Delay of the game.

By the offense five yards, fourth down.

A lot of credit has to be given to head coach Steve Savage with his commerce team.

Man they they came in, they played hard.

They had a wonderful season.

And so one more snap of the ball and this one goes into the record books on a fourth and eight and they take a knee down and that's it.

Lincoln County headed by that man right there.

Larry Campbell, goes to another single way football state championship.

Well, now they stop the clock with 23 seconds and with a being in fourth and eight, they took the knee.

That's a change of possession.

So the clock has to stop right?

So Lincoln County gets to take a knee.

So one play 23 ticks and it's over.

Goldman takes the knee and boy, coach Campbell takes another win.

Lincoln County wins it over.

Commerce 21 to 3.

The Red Devils head back to the.

single-A championship game next.

And Larry Campbell and the Red Devils look to try to make it back to back state championships.

And an incredible run in the year 2006.

What a game by the Red Devils and defense again was the name of the game.

We'll take a time out and hear from the winning coach right after this.

Back here at the Georgia Dome, Lincoln County wins it over Commerce 21 to 3.

Let's go down stairs to Gerald O'Leary.

Gerald.

Hey, Coach, going into the second out of the into the halftime, you were visibly upset.

And this seemed like your team came out on a mission in that third quarter.

Well, to their lines, I tell you, at halftime I was upset with myself.

Calgary should have got three points out of that.

That was my fault.

But I told you we had to do two things and that was to stop the midline and my defensive coach, it is always a great great job of making some changes at high.

And then to Norman Triplett that wound up my quarterback got wound up and they don't get wound up without a good job by offensive line.

So this played much better than we did the first night coach.

Campbell.

Well, you've been at this for a long time, but no less emotion on the sidelines.

I saw you up there running and jumping around.

How much do you enjoy this?

I love it.

I love game time.

I ain't too.

Much of a practice, man but I love.

Game time.

And once again, just talk about the player, your team and how proud you are.

Able to get here.

You know, everybody thinks the season we return, a lot of our kids and people stick your bet, number one.

And that makes it ten times, you know, ten times worse.

You just have to hold them together and try to keep their head screwed on tight and hope you can, you know, get back to the big game and we're there.

All right.

Well, thanks a lot, Coach, and congratulations.

Good luck in the championship game.

Thank you, Jim.

Thank you, Gerald.

Well, so Lincoln County for their 14 state championship next weekend as they win it over Commerce 21 to 3.

Our special thanks to Gerald Oliveira, D.J.

Jones, our entire technical team here at the Georgia Dome.

I'm Jim Tanaka.

Thanks for watching.

Coming up at 3:00, more football right here for the Georgia Dome.

So long, everybody.

Funding for this broadcast to the 26 Georgia High School Association's football semifinals has been provided in part by Georgia Electric membership corporations, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local 613 Atlanta.

Wachovia, the Georgia Student Finance Commission by viewers like you and the Georgia High School Association who wish to thank the Georgia Dodge Dealers, State Farm and Verizon Wireless for their support of high school sports programing on GPB.