WEEK 9 (2011) LANCASTER @ GAFFNEY

The Indians rolled in a big way last week, as they destroyed Rock Hill 72 to 13. The Indians led 30 to 0, after the 1st quarter and never looked back. Gaffney QB Joey Copeland accounted for 5 TDs in the game. He had three rushing and two passing. The defense scored a safety and the special teams blocked a punt. It was a total team effort. The Tribe now stands 8 and 0 overall and 2 and 0 in Region 3 4A. They are back home, at The Reservation for Homecoming, Friday night against Lancaster.

Lancaster @ Gaffney

The game Friday night between Lancaster and Gaffney has turned into a much bigger game than anyone expected. Both teams are sitting on top of the Region 3 4A standings with 2 and 0 records. The Tribe has beaten Clover and Rock Hill by a combined score of 127 to 16 for their 2 and 0 region record. The Tribe is riding high, as the Number 1 team in the state and as high as Number 3 and 4 in the nation. Lancaster has pulled two upsets over Rock Hill and Northwestern, by a combined 3 points, for their 2 and 0 region record. The Bruins come in with a lot of confidence and would like nothing more than to beat the state's best team. The Bruins are 5 and 3 overall and 2 and 0 in Region 3 4A.

The Lancaster offense is led by QB Shaq Williams, who is a very good athlete that can beat you with his arm or his legs. They also have a couple of big receivers who can make plays. The Bruins have scored 221 points this season for an average of 27.6 per game.

The Lancaster defense has some good players that will run multiple fronts and are very versatile. They are very aggressive and get after you to try to force teams offenses into mistakes. They have given up 130 points this season for an average of 16.3 per game.

The Gaffney offense continues to be efficient and productive. They were as awesome as I have ever seen last week against Rock Hill. They scored 72 points in two and a half quarters. Tribe QB Joey Copeland continues to carve up opposing defenses with the precision of a surgeon. For the season the Tribe has scored 426 points for an average of 53.3 per game. The Indians had 44 points on the scoreboard before Allstate WR Quinshad Davis caught his first pass last week. They are not one dimensional on offense.

The Gaffney defense continues their stellar play as well. They have given up only 74 points in eight games for an average of 9.3 per game. They will need to contain the Bruins QB Shaq Williams.

Keys To The Game For Lancaster..... (1) The Bruins need to sustain drives to keep their offense on the field and Gaffney's off the field. (2) Get off to a good start. With all of the homecoming distractions and off field issues for Gaffney, a quick start may keep them in the game and put the pressure on the Indians. (3) Force turnovers on defense and protect the ball on offense.

Keys To The Game For Gaffney..... (1) Focus on the game and not the homecoming festivities. (2) Get off to their usual fast start and take them out of the game. (3) Put the pedal to the middle and not let up. The Bruins have been good at coming from behind this season.

Game Prediction..... The Indians could be overlooking the Bruins this week, with Northwestern and Spartanburg looming the next two weeks. They also have to put the distractions of homecoming behind them as well. I believe they will be able to get it done..... Gaffney 49 Lancaster 13

TRIBE FACTS..... Gaffney leads the overall series with Lancaster 20-4-1.

You can check out my Lancaster @ Gaffney Recap on Saturday.

Until Next Time.