WEEK 8 ROCK HILL @ GAFFNEY PREVIEW

The Gaffney Indians got off to a good start in their Region 3 4A schedule last week, as they defeated Clover on Homecoming at The Reservation 41 to 27. The Tribe's offense continues to get better and better as the season goes along. The defense forced three turnovers in the victory over the Blue Eagles. The Indians end a four game home stand on Friday night against the Rock Hill Bearcats. Lets look at the game.

Rock Hill @ Gaffney

One of the interesting story lines in this game is former Gaffney Head Coach Joe Montgomery bringing his Bearcats to The New Reservation for the first time. The Indians and Bearcats have not played since the 2007 season when Gaffney beat Rock Hill 20 to 7, at The Old Reservation. Rock Hill comes into this game with a 5 and 2 overall record and 0 and 1 in Region 3 4A. They were upset by Lancaster in their Region 3 opener last week. The Indians come into this game riding a four game winning streak and they have a 5 and 2 overall record and 1 and 0 in Region 3.

The Bearcats offense has scored 167 points, for an average of 23.9 per game. They have used three QBs this season and nobody knows which one will start this game. The Rock Hill offense has looked good at times, but they have been plagued with turnovers and penalties. When the season started they only had one offensive starter returning, from their 11 and 1 team of last season. They have a very good kicking game.

The Bearcats defense has given up 134 points, for an average of 19.1 per game. They are very athletic and physical on defense. They have played pretty well most of the season. They have been put in some bad field position, because of their turnovers on offense. Coming into the season they had five defensive starters back from last year. Expect a typical Rock Hill defense, fast and swarming to the ball.

The Tribe's offense has scored 148 points, for an average of 37.0 per game during their four game winning streak. They only scored 40 points, for an average of 13.3 per game during their 1 and 2 start. They are getting better and better and they are taking care of the football. The running game had their best game of the season, last week against Clover.

The Tribe's defense has given up 133 points, for an average of 19.0per game. During the four game winning streak they have 11 take aways. The defense is beginning to get healthy, as they have been hurt with a lot of injuries all season.

Keys to the game for Rock Hill..... (1) Don't beat themselves with turnovers and penalties. (2) Don't give up the big play. (3) Keep it close so their strong kicking game can make a difference.

Keys to the game for Gaffney..... (1) Keep spreading the ball around on offense and stay balanced. (2) Must cut down on the penalties, especially the personal fouls. (3) NO TURNOVERS!! (4) Force some turnovers on defense.

Game Prediction..... The Bearcats already have a loss in the Region and they can't afford to start 0 and 2. Gaffney has momentum and they are heading toward a possible showdown for the Region Title in a couple of weeks. I see the Indians doing what they have been doing, improving on both sides of the ball and finding a way to get the win..... Gaffney 27 Rock Hill 13

TRIBE FACTS..... Gaffney QB DeEdward Burris has had a stellar Senior season so far. He has accounted for 2,046 yards of total offense, for an average of 292.3 per game. He has also accounted for 22 TDs.

FORMER INDIAN UPDATE..... Gaffney's Josh Corry, former 4A basketball player of the year, has decided to leave Wofford and find another school to play his college basketball. He helped lead the Tribe to the 4A Basketball State Championship last season.

LETS SEND COACH MONTGOMERY BACK HOME WITH ANOTHER LOSS TO HIS FORMER TEAM!!!!!

You can catch the Rock Hill @ Gaffney Recap on Saturday.

Until Next Time.