WEEK 8 (2011) GAFFNEY @ ROCK HILL

The Tribe started a little sluggish last week against Clover, but put their pedal down in the 2nd half and cruised to a 55 to 3 win over the Blue Eagles. Joey Copeland threww 6 TD passes and Quinshad Davis had 3 TD catches to lead the offense. The Tribe improved to 7 and 0 overall and 1 and 0 in Region 3 4A. They are on the road again this week at Rock Hill.

Gaffney @ Rock Hill

The Gaffney vs Rock Hill series has always been a very hard fought and physical football game. Since 2005 it has had the added drama of Rock Hill being coached by former Gaffney Head Coach Joe Montgomery. He won the first meeting against Gaffney, but has lost the last three. He is currently 1 and 3 against the Gaffney Indians. Rock Hill comes into this match-up with a 4 and 3 overall record 0 and 1 in Region 3 4A play.

The Bearcats are led on offense by their QB Kenterius Hinton who is an average passer and a very good runner. They also have a couple of 6'4" receivers the best of which is Jamel Jones. They also have a couple of very quick running backs. The Rock Hill offense has scored 163 points for an average of 23.3 per game. Turnovers have been a problem for them this season.

They have a typical Rock Hill defense, as it is very physical and aggressive. Their defense has given up a total of 146 points for an average of 20.9. They will be looking to put pressure on Gaffney's QBs to try and throw off their offensive timing and execution.

The Tribe's offense has been very productive this season, as they have scored 354 points for an average of 50.6 per game. QB Joey Copeland has led the way with 24 TD passes and only 4 interceptions. Quinshad Davis has been a man among boys this season, as he has 46 catches and 13 TDs. The Tribe would like to get off to a faster start this week, as they were sluggish out of the gate against Clover.

The Tribe's defense continues to be very dominant, as they have not given up a TD in the last three games. You can go all the way back to the 1st quarter of the Greenwood game, week three, to the last time a TD was scored off of the starting defense. For the season they have given up only 61 points for an average of 8.7 per game. The Gaffney corners will be tested by the tall Rock Hill receivers. As we know, they go up against the best receiver in the state in 6'4" Quinshad Davis in practice everyday.

Keys To The Game For Rock Hill..... (1) They have to force some turnovers. (2) They need to get a score or two from their special teams. (3) They need to sustain drives to keep Gaffney;s offense off of the field. (4) They can't turn the ball over.

Keys To The Game For Gaffney..... (1) They need to come out focused to play. They came out last week not as focused as they needed to be. (2) Just execute their offense like they have all season. (3) Do not turn the ball over. (4) Make the Rock Hill offense one dimensional.

Game Prediction..... District 3 Stadium in Rock Hill has been a HOUSE OF HORRORS for Gaffney over the years. Gaffney needs to keep their momentum going and Rock Hill can't afford another Region 3 loss. The horror will be with the Bearcats this time..... Gaffney 49 Rock Hill 10

TRIBE FACTS..... Gaffney leads the all time series with Rock Hill 49-24-6.

TRIBE FACTS..... Since the Big 16 was started in 1981, Gaffney has played 35 games at District 3 Stadium against Rock Hill and Northwestern. Gaffney's record is 8 and 27 in the 35 games.

TRIBE FACTS..... Former Gaffney Head Coach and current Rock Hill Head Coach Joe Montgomery had a coaching record of 109 and 57 during his 12 seasons in Gaffney. He coached here from 1991-2002 and won two State Championships in 1992 and 1997.

I will have my Gaffney @ Rock Hill Recap on Saturday.

Until Next Time.