BYRNES @ GAFFNEY 2012 PREVIEW

INDIANS BOUNCE BACK WITH ROUT OF MAVERICKS..... The Indians made some changes and so far so good with the results. The Tribe used a dominating ground game, as they rushed for 361 yards to rout the Mauldin Mavericks 40 to 7. Shaq Davidson started at QB and rushed for 122 yards and 1 TD and RB Hyleck Foster rushed for 181 yards and 4 TDs. The Tribe only attempted 7 passes and completed 2 for 35 yards for the game. The Gaffney defense was on their game holding the potent Mauldin offense to 195 yards and a late TD, which came against the subs.

My View From The Stands..... (1) I saw Gaffney come out and take care of business and get an easy homecoming victory. (2) They actually looked like they were excited to be playing. There have been games this season when that was not the case. (3) I saw an offense that was sparked by the QB change and an offensive line that played much better as well. (4) The QB position is definitely more athletic with Davidson at QB. I expect as he gets better at QB the offense will get better as we head down the stretch toward the playoffs.

BYRNES @ GAFFNEY PREVIEW.....  As we all know, these two teams and their fans don't like each other. There is respect but, no love lost. The Indians have won two of the last three games between the two rivals. The two teams split games last season with Gaffney winning in Duncan during the regular season 35 to 13 on their way to a 14 and 0 record and number 2 National ranking. Then the Tribe had to play the Rebels in the State Championship Game back in December. On that heartbreaking day in Clemson's Death Valley, the Tribe out gained the Rebels almost 2 to 1 but, four costly turnovers, two returned for TDs by the Byrnes defense, proved costly, as the Rebels upset the unbeaten Indians 31 to 24. 

The Byrnes Rebels come into this game unbeaten at 7 and 0 and ranked as high as Number 3 in the nation. The Rebels haven't lost since Gaffney beat them during the regular season last year. They are led by QB Shuler Bentley and WR Akia Booker. They have their same explosive big play offense with numerous play makers. They rely on the passing game the most. The Rebels defense has gotten better as the season has moved along. They are pretty good but, they appear to not be as big and fast as they were last season.

The Tribe comes into this game 4 and 3 and they have had an up and down season. The upside was a big win over Dorman three weeks ago and the down side was the shocking loss at Wade Hampton two weeks ago. Intensity should not be a problem for the Indians this week. The offense needs to move the football and score some points and the defense needs an even better performance that the Dorman game. The Gaffney offense can not turn the football over and the defense needs to force some turnovers for Gaffney to win. The Tribe will need to get some production from their passing game this week, as running only will not get it done against Byrnes.

Game Prediction..... I really expect the Indians to play an inspired good football game. The defense can keep them in the game. An upset would not be shocking but, unlikely. The Indians won't have enough offense to score enough points to win..... Byrnes 28  Gaffney 14

TRIBE FACTS..... This time last season the Indians were ranked Number 3 in the Nation. The Rebels are this season.

Until Next Time.