The ninth time was a charm for Trion.
The Bulldogs put up nearly 500 yards of total offense Friday night to defeat visiting Commerce 45-21 in the opening round of the GHSA Class A (Division I) playoffs, topping the Tigers for the first time in nine postseason meetings.
“We did whatever it took, and it says a lot about this team the way they bounced back from last week,” said Trion coach Sean Patrick, whose team had lost 44-13 to Darlington with the Region 7 championship on the line.
“I’m proud of our whole team for flushing last week and beating a good football team tonight.”
Toby Maddux had 138 rushing yards and four touchdowns, with backfield mate Logan Eller adding 130 yards and a score and quarterback Kade Smith generating 180 yards and a touchdown passing.