WEEK 3 (2011) UNION COUNTY @ GAFFNEY

The Tribe won Round 2 of their PAYBACK TOUR, as they pounded the Greenwood Eagles 47 to 21 at The Reservation last Friday night. They are now 2 and 0 against teams that beat them last season. The PAYBACK TOUR will continue on October 28, 2011, when they host Northwestern. Let's look at this week's game with old rival Union County.

Union County @ Gaffney

The Indians defeated the Yellow Jackets last season 48 to 14. The Jackets rebounded from an 0 and 3 start to win their Region Championship. Union County has a 1 and 1 record this season, as they lost 40 to 7 to Spartanburg in their season opener and they bounced back with a win over Broome last week. The Indians are 3 and 0 with three very impressive wins over Boiling Springs, Dorman and Greenwood.

The Yellow Jackets are starting seven new offensive starters this season. Their offense features the spread attack led by their potent passing duo of JR. QB Keiston Smith and JR. WR Victor Ruth. Their offense is averaging 16.0 points per game through the first two games.

The Union County defense is starting nine new starters this season and they have struggled in their first two games. They are giving up an average of 30.5 points per game. They are a very solid team in the kicking game.

The Gaffney offense was clicking on all cylinders last week against Greenwood. The Tribe's QB Joey Copeland continues to play very well and he is getting the football to his many playmakers. Receivers Quinshad Davis, Shaq Davidson and Ryan Frock all had over 100 yards receiving with each scoring TDs. Copeland accounted for six TDs, four passing and two rushing. They could be in for another big night against Union County. Gaffney has averaged 43.0 points per game in their three games.

The Gaffney defense continues to get off to slow starts stopping the run. They had trouble with Dorman before they made adjustments and they did the same against Greenwood. They did force three turnovers last week. The defense has given up an average of 11.7 points per game through their first three games.

Keys To The Game For Union County..... (1) They must force some turnovers. They can't win if they don't. (2) They must win the time of possession battle. They have to keep the Gaffney offense on the sidelines. (3) They can't turn the ball over. It's hard enough to stop the Indians without giving them extra possessions.

Keys To The Game For Gaffney..... (1) The Indians can't look past the Yellow Jackets to Byrnes next week. This is the ultimate trap game for the Indians, after two big wins and with Byrnes looming next week. (2) Just keep doing what they have been doing. (3) Don't let the Jackets hang around. The longer an underdog hangs around the more the pressure on the favorite.

Game Prediction..... This is the ultimate trap game for Gaffney. If the Indians are emotionally ready to play they should roll in this one. Their "B" game is good enough to beat most teams. I see the Tribe rolling..... Gaffney 45 Union County 7

TRIBE FACTS..... The 99-yard TD pass from Joey Copeland to Shaq Davidson, last week against Greenwood, is a school record and ties the state record for longest TD pass.

You can check out my Union County @ Gaffney Recap on Saturday.

Until Next Time.