WEEK 0 (2011) BOILING SPRINGS @ GAFFNEY

The Gaffney Indians looked very impressive in a pair of jamborees over the weekend. On Friday they defeated York 28 to 6, in the York Jamboree. On Saturday they pounded T.C. Roberson in the Border Showcase Jamboree, 35 to 6. What I have seen from the Tribe in preseason is a lot of speed on both sides of the ball. They also have a lot of size and experience. They have numerous play makers on offense, defense and special teams. The kicking game is head and shoulders ahead of where they were last season. From what I have seen, this could be a very special season for the Gaffney Indians. We have enough talent to be hanging our 17th State Championship banner in December. We could also lay a huge egg if the effort is not where it should be and major injuries hit the team and they don't get the breaks they need. IT SHOULD BE A VERY INTERESTING AND EXCITING YEAR FOR THE TRIBE THIS SEASON. The 2011 season gets underway on Friday night at The Reservation against the Boiling Springs Bulldogs. Let's look at the 2011 season opener.

Boiling Springs @ Gaffney

The Boiling Springs offense is led by JR. QB Tyrecous Garrett. He rushed for 953 yards and 11 TDs and threw for 700 yards and 7 TDs last season as a Soph. As Garrett goes, so goes the Bulldogs offense. They have three returning starters on the offensive line which is anchored by N.C. State commitment Eddie Gordon. The Dogs also have experience at WR led by Dalvonta Ballenger. Bulldogs QB Garrett will remind Gaffney fans of a young DeEdward Burris.

The Boiling Springs defense will be inexperienced at key positions at DE and LB. Their Defensive line and secondary should be the strengths of their defense. I am sure that they will play very hard against Gaffney. They always do.

The Gaffney offense will be led by SR. WR Quinshad Davis, SR. RB C.J. Miller and SR. QB Joey Copeland. Copeland has big shoes to fill, as he replaces Shrine Bowl QB DeEdward Burris. The Indians appear to be running a more up tempo offense this season. They have other potential play makers on offense in Soph. WR Shaq Davidson, Soph. WR Hyleck Foster and SR. WR Ryan Frock. As has been the case in preseason, I expect QB Copeland to be a game manager and get the ball to his many play makers. He also appears to be a very accurate passer and capable runner. The Offensive line continues to get better and better.

The Gaffney defense is loaded with speed, speed and size. The front 7 should be one of the best in the state. The coach has said he believes his secondary could be the teams strength. The defensive front is led by JR. DE Jaylin Miller, JR. DT Rod Ogelsby and SR. DT Edward Bigby. The LBs are led by SR. Savon Dukes and JR. Quan Weeks. The Secondary is led by SR. CB Marquis Brannon, JR. CB Cobby McDowell and SR. FS Snoop Byers. The defense has plenty of potential play makers.

Keys To The Game For Boiling Springs..... (1) Get off to a good start (2) Don't turn the football over (3) Their inexperienced defense needs to force some turnovers.

Keys To The Game For Gaffney..... (1) Contain the Bulldogs QB Garrett (2) Spread the ball around on offense to their play makers (3) Don't turn the ball over. Turnovers killed the Tribe last season.

Game Prediction..... I look for the Gaffney defense to be dominant and their offense to get the first game jitters out by the second half. The Bulldogs will play hard and tough, but the Indians will have to much and will pull away for the win..... Gaffney 28 Boiling Springs 7

You can look for my Boiling Springs @ Gaffney Recap blog on Saturday.

Until Next Time.