STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 2012 PREVIEW

BLACK FRIDAY FOR THE REBELS..... In the retail world Black Friday is a great thing but, it was a bad thing for the Byrnes Rebels last Friday, as the Tribe defeated the Rebels 21 to 19 to win the Upper State Championship. It was the second time that Gaffney had beaten Byrnes at The Reservation this season having defeated them 22 to 18 during the regular season.

The 1st half was a defensive battle, as both teams were held scoreless by the other teams defense. The Tribe did threaten to score a couple of times and missed a field goal. The 3rd quarter started with the Byrnes' defense holding Gaffney to a three and out. Byrnes got the ball in Gaffney territory and drove down and scored to go up 7 to 0. On Gaffney's next possession they were forced to punt and Byrnes blocked the punt and scooped upthe ball and scored another TD. With the Rebels up 13 to 0 midway in the 3rd quarter one of the key plays of the game for Gaffney occurred when Jaylin Miller blocked the extra point to keep the door open for Gaffney. The 3rd quarter ended with the Tribe behind 13 to 0. Early in the 4th Gaffney returned the favor by blocking a Byrnes punt giving them possession on the Rebels' 18-yard line. Hyleck Foster scored on the next play on an 18-yard run to cut the lead to 13 to 7. The Byrnes offense would get the ball back and lightning would strike again for Gaffney when O'Bryant Davidson intercepted a Shuler Bentley pass and returned it for a TD. The extra point by Victor Ramirez gave the Tribe their first lead of the game. The game had changed for the Tribe from a 13 to 0 deficit to a 14 to 13 lead in a span of 52 seconds. The Gaffney defense would force another punt and the Gaffney offense would drive 66-yards, all out of the Chop formation with Hyleck Foster getting chunks of yards and eventually scoring from 3-yards out to put Gaffney up 21 to 13. The Rebels would get the ball and drive down and score with 1 minute and 4 seconds left to cut the lead to 21 to 19. The Rebels needed a two point conversion to tie the game and send it to overtime but, Gaffney's O'Bryant Davidson deflected the pass and it fell incomplete. The Rebels would try the onside kick which was recovered by the Tribe and then Gaffney took two knees and they had survived to play in the State Championship game in Columbia on Saturday. FINAL SCORE GAFFNEY 21 BYRNES 19.

My View From The Stands..... (1) I witnessed probably the largest crowd at The New Reservation Friday night. (2) I saw the Indians overcome the adversity of being down 13 to 0 in the 4th quarter to beat Byrnes. Most teams would have folded their tent and went home with a loss. (3) I saw dominating performances from RB Hyleck Foster and DE Jaylin Miller. (4) I saw the Indians extend their home playoff winning streak to 41 in a row.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PREVIEW

Dutch Fork vs Gaffney..... Both of these teams are playing their best football of the season at the right time. Gaffney started the season 3 and 3 but, they have won 8 games in a row heading into the showdown for the 4A Division 1 State Championship. Dutch Fork started 2 and 3 and they have won 9 in a row heading into this game. Both Gaffney and Dutch Fork come into this game with 11 and 3 records. Dutch Fork has a very balanced offense, as they average over 200 yards a game passing and rushing. They are led on offense by QB Derek Olenchuk, WR Jordan Berry, RB Matt Colburn and RB Trey Greg. They run a multiple offense with a lot of looks and motion. They like to utilize the TE and sometimes two of them at once. The Silver Foxes' defense possesses a huge defensive front but, their defense has been their teams weakness at times this season, as they have given up the big play.

The Indians need to use their speed to get to the outside of their big but slow defensive front. They need to do what they do best run the football and run some more. They also need to get some plays from the passing game. Gaffney needs big games from RB Hyleck Foster, RB Jo Jo McGill and QB Shaq Davidson. The Indians also need another huge game from their defense. There is a large number of the Gaffney players that remember the disappointment of losing the State Championship to Byrnes last season. Their experience of playing in this game could be a major factor. Two things Gaffney can't do is turn the ball over, as that was what doomed them last year in this game. The other thing is they can't have the mindset that they won the State Championship last week by beating Byrnes. Dutch Fork is a good football team that is playing their best ball of the season and they are capable of winning the game.

Game Prediction..... I look for a very good football game. Dutch Fork is a very good team but, I have a hard time seeing Gaffney lose this game after they were able to beat Byrnes twice this season. Their experience and defense will be the difference..... Gaffney 35  Dutch Fork 24

TRIBE FACTS..... Gaffney is trying to win their 17th State Championship and Dutch Fork is playing in their 1st State Championship Game.

Until Next Time.

3RD ROUND PLAYOFFS 2012 PREVIEW

TRIBE OUT PHYSICALS KNIGHTS..... Gaffney used a strong physical defense and a strong physical running game to defeat the Stratford Knights 28 to 12 to advance to the Upper State Championship Game this Friday night at The Reservation. Jr. RB Hyleck Foster continued his strong running with 103 yards and two TDs. Jr. QB Shaq Davidson had a strong game with 92 yards rushing and 100 yards passing. The Gaffney defense was led by Sr. DE Jaylin Miller with 2 sacks and the defense also had 2 interceptions. The Tribe is where they wanted to be in the Upper State Championship Game and practicing on Thanksgiving. The Indians will face rival Byrnes for the second time this season.

My View From The Stands..... (1) There were not a lot of fans that made the trip up from Goose Creek in support of the Stratford team. (2) The Indians defense played very well against the highly recruited QB Jacob Park. They put a lot of pressure on him and held him to a bad completion percentage, as he went 15 for 44 in the game. (3) After a slow start the Gaffney running game took over the game in the second half, as they outscored Stratford 21 to 6.

3RD ROUND PLAYOFFS PREVIEW..... BYRNES @ GAFFNEY..... All we can say about this game is BRING IT ON! Two hated rivals, the two best programs in the state, a combined 27 State Championships, Gaffney with 16 and Byrnes with 11, and two rabid fan bases. It don't get any better than this in High School Football. Gaffney has won 3 of the last 4 games between these two rivals including a 22 to 18 victory at The Reservation about 6 weeks ago. The only game that Byrnes has won in the last 4 meetings was in the State Championship Game last December.

Keys To The Game For Byrnes.....  (1) Get off to a fast start. The Rebels feed off of a fast start and their fans feed off of it as well. (2) They must get more production from their running game. Can't be pass pass pass all the time. (3) Force some turnovers. In the State Championship Game last season turnovers were the difference in the game.

Keys To The Game For Gaffney..... (1) Keep the Rebels from getting off to a fast start. The Indians have done a good job of this in the previous 4 meetings. (2) Gaffney must make some plays in the passing game. The Rebels will be keying on the run. (3) Gaffney must win the turnover battle. (4) Put pressure on Byrnes QB Shuler Bentley. (5) Make Byrnes one dimensional. Don't let them get yards on the ground.

Game Prediction..... Something has to give in this game. It is hard to beat a very good team twice in one season. The Indians have won 40 home playoff games in a row. The last time Byrnes lost to a team twice in one season was to Gaffney back in 2006 and both of those games was in Gaffney as well..... Gaffney 24  Byrnes 21

Until Next Time.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM TRIBE BLITZ!!

2ND ROUND PLAYOFFS 2012 PREVIEW

INDIANS ADVANCE TO 2ND ROUND..... The Tribe let the 16th seed Ashley Ridge hang around longer than the home fans wanted but, they took care of business and defeated Ashley Ridge 35 to 17. The Tribe got another huge rushing night from Jr. RB Hyleck Foster as he ran for 300 yards and 3 TDs. It was the second time in the last three games that Foster has rushed for more than 300 yards. The Tribe also got a TD pass from Shaq Davidson to OB Davidson. The Gaffney defense was led by Jaylin Miller with 3 sacks and 4 QB hurries. It is on to the 2nd round of the playoffs, as the Indians host a very good Stratford team.

My View From The Stands..... (1) There were very few fans that drove up from the Summerville area to cheer on the Ashley Ridge team. (2) The Swamp Foxes won the time of possession battle by a wide margin. (3) The Tribe let Ashley Ridge hang around, as they only led 21 to 17 in the 3rd quarter after a turnover. (4) Sr. DE Jaylin Miller continued his strong season with three more sacks. He now has a school record 19 sacks on the season.

2ND ROUND PLAYOFFS PREVIEW..... STRATFORD @ GAFFNEY..... The Knights come into this game with a 10 and 2 record and the number 9 seed. They defeated Dorman at Dorman last week 28 to 17. They have scored 382 points for an average of 31.8 points per game. They are led on offense by a big physical offensive line and Sr. QB Jacob Park. He is a Division 1 college prospect with a big arm and very good scrambling ability. The Knights defense is led by their big, strong and physical defensive front. They held a good Dorman running game to 44 yards last week. The Knights are 4 and 2 on the road and they have to travel to the upstate for the second week in a row.

The Tribe comes into this game at 9 and 3 and riding a 6 game winning streak. They are the number 1 seed in the playoffs. They have scored 367 points for an average of 30.6 per game. During the six game winning streak since inserting Shaq Davidson at QB they have averaged 39.3 points per game. The Indians' defense has given up 223 points for an average of 18.6 per game.

The match ups to watch in this game is the strong rushing defense of Stratford against the strong running game of Gaffney. The other match up is Gaffney's pass rush against the Knights QB Jacob Park. Gaffney must pass the ball better this week as well.

Game Prediction..... These teams have had some very good battles over the years and this one should be another one. Turnovers and penalties will be a key to victory in this game. I see the home playoffs winning streak to continue for the Tribe..... Gaffney 21  Stratford 14

Until Next Time.

1ST ROUND PLAYOFFS PREVIEW 2012

INDIANS WRAP UP THE REGION 2 CHAMPIONSHIP..... The Tribe got off to a slow start last Friday night against old rival Spartanburg. A couple of interceptions by the offense, including a pick six, had them trailing the Vikings 12 to 7 four minutes into the second quarter. Up until then Gaffney's only score came on a 99-yard kickoff return by Cobby McDowell. With about eight minutes left in the 1st half RB Hyleck Foster scored on a long run from the Chop Formation to put the Tribe up for good 14 to 12. They finished the half very strong with two more TDs to lead 28 to 12. The second half was more dominating defense by the Tribe, as they added one more TD to win going away 35 to 18. Hyleck Foster followed up his 302 yard 5 TD performance with another strong game with 158 yards and 3 more TDs. The Gaffney defense was strong all night holding Spartanburg to 179 total yards.

 My View From The Stands..... (1)The first thing I saw Friday night was the lack of fans that came over from Spartanburg to follow the Vikings. It is a little sad to see how this once great program has fallen over the last ten years. (2) The Indians came out a little flat and making mistakes early but, the light finally came on in the 2nd quarter. (3) The Indians are going to have to cut down on their penalties and turnovers during the playoffs. They had 13 penalties Friday night and had a TD called back. (4) The defense continues to be very good and they will have to keep it up through the playoffs.

1st Round Playoffs Preview..... Ashley Ridge @ Gaffney..... The Swamp Foxes come into this game 4 and 7 and the number 16 seed in the 4A Division 1 Playoffs. They are a very young program, as they have only been around since 2008. Longtime Spartanburg Head Coach Doc Davis started the program and was their coach for two seasons before retirement. Ashley Ridge made a run in the 4A Division 2 Playoffs last season losing in the semifinals to Greenwood. They are led by Shrine Bowl RB Romelo Doctor whom is strong and fast. He had 230 yards and 5 TDs in their win over Fort Dorchester last week in a game that they had to win to get into the playoffs. Their other main offensive weapons are QB Jacob Thompson and WR Vernon Moree. They can score points but, they give up points as well. Their offense also shows you a lot of misdirection. They're running game will be a test for the Gaffney defense.

The Indians need to come out focused and ready to play. A lot of these early round match ups lack in emotion for the heavily favored team. Gaffney is not good enough just to show up and go through the motions, just remember six weeks ago against Wade Hampton. When Gaffney comes out focused and ready to play they can beat anyone, just remember Byrnes a few weeks back.

Game Prediction..... I see the Tribe coming into this game with momentum and taking care of business. They leave this game with even more momentum. The Tribe wins..... Gaffney 35  Ashley Ridge 10

TRIBE FACTS..... The Gaffney Indians have not lost a home playoff game since 1984. They have won 38 straight with the last team to beat them at home in the playoffs being Orangeburg-Wilkinson in 1984 by a score of 12 to 8.

Until Next Time.

SPARTANBURG @ GAFFNEY 2012 PREVIEW

TRIBE TAKES CARE OF BUSINESS AT THE DOG POUND..... The Tribe used a powerful ground game to pound the Boiling Springs Bulldogs 48 to 35. The Indians rushed for 444 yards with 302 yards and five TDs coming from Jr Hyleck Foster. The Indians also got a TD pass from QB Shaq Davidson to Eddie Studyvance. The Indians improve to 7 and 3 overall and 5 and 1 in the region and they will host rival Spartanburg with a chance to win the Region 2 4A Championship Friday night.

My View From The Stands..... (1) I was thinking during the game Friday night just how amazing it is to see the improvement this team has made since the loss to Wade Hampton. A few lineup changes and a change in attitude has made a huge difference. (2) The score was closer than the game was on the field. Three Gaffney turnovers and a boat load of penalties, that kept Bulldog drives going, kept the Dogs in the game. The Tribe dominated the total yardage stat. (3) The Tribe did what they needed to do, take care of business and win the game to set up a chance to win the region this week at The Reservation against Spartanburg.

Spartanburg @ Gaffney Preview..... The Spartanburg Vikings come into this game at 4 and 6 overall and 3 and 3 in the region. The Indians come into this game 7 and 3 overall and 5 and 1 in the region. The odd thing about this game is both of these storied programs lost to Wade Hampton this season. The Vikings lost a couple of weeks ago 7 to 6 and Gaffney lost five weeks ago 17 to 10. The Vikings have been an up and down team all season and the key to their success in this game is which Spartanburg team shows up.

The Indians come into this game on a roll, as they have not lost since losing to Wade Hampton and are riding a four game winning streak. They have found their identity as a team that must win with strong defense and a strong running game. They have to let their offensive play makers make plays. The Indians can win the Region 2 4A Championship with a win over the Vikings.

Game Prediction..... I see the Indians continuing their roll toward the playoffs. They will have a battle for awhile but, will pull away in the 4th quarter to claim the Region 2 4A Championship..... Gaffney 31  Spartanburg 14

TRIBE FACTS..... Gaffney is trying to win their second Region Championship in a row and their third since 2006.

Until Next Time.