WEEK 7 (2011) GAFFNEY @ CLOVER

The Tribe is coming off of their off week, a week Head Coach Dan Jones said was very productive. They worked on tweaking their offense, defense and kicking game. It is back to business this week, as the Region 3 4A part of the schedule begins on Friday night at Clover. Let's look at this week's game with the Blue Eagles.

Gaffney @ Clover

This is only the forth meeting between Gaffney and Clover, with the first three games all being close. The Tribe has won the past two games, after Clover won the first meeting in 2008. The games have been separated by an average margin of six points per game.

The Clover Blue Eagles brought in a new Head Coach this season named John Devine. He had a lot of success at South Point of Belmont, North Carolina. The Blue Eagles lost the majority of their starters from last years team and they are rebuilding. They have been a Wing-T offense for a number of years, but this years team will be running the veer option attack. This is an offense that is difficult to prepare for because you don't see it often these days. The Blue Eagles are 2 and 4 on the season. They are a very one-dimensional offense, as they average 192 yards per game rushing and only 6 passing yards per game. They have scored 126 points on the season for an average of 21.0 per game. They have been shutout twice. Ryan Moore is their best offensive threat, as he is their leading rusher averaging 101 yards per game
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The Clover defense was also hit hard by graduation. They have given up 204 points for an average of 34.0 per game. Clover has always had a reputation for being extremely physical and this year is no exception.

The Gaffney offense has been rolling this season, as they have scored 299 points for a per game average of 49.9. They have been working on their timing and route running and they are ready to kick it up another notch, as the Region 3 4A part of their schedule kicks off Friday night.

The Gaffney defense has been very good this season, as they have given up only 58 points for a per game average of 9.7. During the off week they worked on alignments and assignments. Teams were effective running the ball, right at them, at times during the first half of hew season. They will have to play assignment and disciplined football to stop Clover's option attack.

Keys To The Game For Clover..... (1) They have to win the time of possession battle by a large margin. (2) They have to force several turnovers. (3) They have to hope the Gaffney bus breaks down on the way to the game.

Keys To The Game For Gaffney..... (1) Be focused and not take the Blue Eagles lightly. (2) Play disciplined football on defense. (3) Just do what they have been doing all season, scoring early and often to take Clover out of the game early.

Game Prediction..... This should not be the typical game between the Tribe and the Eagles. I look for Gaffney to roll, as they are excited to play another game. I am probably being conservative in my score prediction..... Gaffney 49 Clover 6

You can see my Gaffney @ Clover Recap on Saturday.

Until Next Time.