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.