Commerce goes for a fourth straight unbeaten season in district competition on Thursday night against visiting Quapaw at 7:30.

But Oklahoma District A5 opponents really have challenged the Tigers this season.

Visiting Afton, of course, was the latest. The Tigers rallied from an early 16-0 deficit and needed to score with about a minute left Friday night to hurdle the Eagles 30-29 in the clash of district unbeatens.

It was Commerce's fourth victory overall by seven or fewer points.

"We're excited and happy to be 9-0,'' Tiger coach Rick Trimble said Monday. "It (the Tigers' penchant for pulling out wins) shows the character and resiliency of our players.

"It's been a trying year,'' Trimble said of injuries that have made plugging holes in the lineup almost necessary each week. "It's been a hard job.

"Tim Osborn (rounding into form from a knee injury) looked good running the ball against Afton,'' Trimble said. "Now, we've learned he has a broken hand.

"Still, I'm assuming our players with casts (Logan Cawyer, Klint Reading and Osborn) will play against Quapaw. Nathan Webb (broken leg) may not return this season.''

Trimble noted that the interception by Reading on Afton's last possession was the second such closing effort this season by the two-way standout. Reading overall has five thefts.

The win against Afton clinched first place in the district and the Tigers will play host to Newkirk in the first round of the playoffs, Trimble said.

"Afton has a fine team,'' Trimble said. "We were expecting a good game and they easily could have won it. Coach (Jerry) Springer's team has improved during the season. Henry is a great running back. They have several other solid players.''

Trimble said sophomore running back James Sullivan turned in a strong effort against Afton for season totals of 975 yards and 12 touchdowns on 110 carries.

Reading has completed 52 of 84 passes for 833 yards and 12 scores and rushed 63 times for 525 yards and eight TDs.

Cawyer, who also handles kicking and punting chores for the Tigers, has 28 receptions for 389 yards and six touchdowns. Micah Littlejohn is the No. 2 target with 17 receptions for 309 yards and two TDs.

Josh Pilkinton, a freshman, is the Tigers' third-leading rusher with 352 and five scores on 36 carries.

The win against Afton was the 29th in a row for Commerce in district play. The Tigers' last district loss was 41-20 on Oct. 12, 2001, at home against Afton.