GAFFNEY @ BOILING SPRINGS 2012 PREVIEW

INDIANS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AGAINST RIVERSIDE..... The Tribe scored early and often against the Riverside Warriors last Friday night. They led 28 to 0 after the 1st quarter and 49 to 0 at the half. The offense scored five TDs in the first half and the defense scored two on two fumble returns. Shaq Davidson threw 3 TD passes and he ran for 2 TDs to lead the offense. Head Coach Dan Jones called off the dogs after halftime, as all starters took the second half off. It was a very fast second half, as it was played with a running clock. The Tribe did add one more score on a 64-yard punt return by JoJo McGill to make the final score 56 to 0. Gaffney out gained Riverside 318 to 67 for the game.

My View From The Stands..... (1) The football field at Riverside had a bad crown and the goal posts were leaning toward the field. You can tell that they don't take football to serious. (2) The Tribe did what they had to do, come into the game and get off to a good start and put the game away early. (3) It was good to see early season starter at QB Luke Lancaster catch an 11-yard TD pass in the second quarter. (4) This was the first game that I had been to that the second half was played with a running clock.

GAFFNEY @ BOILING SPRINGS PREVIEW..... The Bulldogs and Indians played twice last season. They opened the season together with the Tribe winning big and they also played in the 4A Division 1 Upperstate Championship Game also won big by the Tribe. Both games were played at The Reservation. The Bulldogs always play hard against the Indians especially at home. The last time Gaffney played at Boiling Springs the Indians jumped to a 21 to 0 lead only to see the Bulldogs rally in the 4th quarter to get back in the game. It took a goal line stand at the Gaffney one yard line on the games final play to preserve the Indians' 21 to 14 victory.

Boiling Springs comes into this game with a 5 and 4 record overall and 2 and 3 in region play. They could very easily be 7 and 2 and 4 and 1 in region play because they lost two heart breakers the past two weeks. They lost a 3 point game in overtime to Spartanburg two weeks ago and a 3 point game to Dorman last week in a game that they had the lead in the 4th quarter.

The Tribe comes into this game on a roll, as they have won three in a row since their loss at Wade Hampton. They have a 6 and 3 overall record and 4 and 1 region record. The Tribe owns victories over both Dorman and Byrnes and they control their own destiny to winning the Region 2 4A Championship. They win this week at Boiling Springs and next week at home against Spartanburg and they win the region. They own the tiebreakers over Dorman and Byrnes. The Tribe's offense continues to get better each week since the insertion of Shaq Davidson at QB. The Tribe's defense has played well in all but two games and has been very dominant at times.

Game Prediction..... I look for a tough hard fought game between these two teams. The Bulldogs are playing to get a playoff birth and Gaffney is playing to have a chance to win the Region 2 4A Championship. It should be a 4th quarter game and I see the Indians making enough plays to win the game..... Gaffney 24  Boiling Springs 20

Until Next Time.

GAFFNEY @ RIVERSIDE 2012 PREVIEW

STUNNER AT THE RESERVATION..... The Gaffney Indians, left for dead just three weeks ago after an embarrassing loss to a bad Wade Hampton team, pulled off a stunner Friday night at the Reservation by defeating the nation's 3rd ranked team the Byrnes Rebels 22 to 18. The Tribe got an outstanding defensive performance with 8 sacks of Rebels' QB Shuler Bentley and they also had several hurries and knock downs as well. The defense also intercepted the Jr. signal caller twice. They were very disruptive in knocking off the timing of the Byrnes offense. The Gaffney offense got another strong rushing performance from their offense with 221 yards and three rushing TDs. QB Shaq Davidson had another strong game with 155 yards rushing and 1 TD run which came on an electrifying 47-yard run in the 4th quarter. Davidson was also able to keep plays alive with his elusiveness all night and he was able to pass for 116 yards on 12 of 21 passing attempts. RB Hyleck Foster had a very good game also with 63 yards rushing and 2 TD's including the game winning score with 44-seconds left in the ball game. Foster also ended the game with an interception of an overthrown pass while playing deep safety in the Indians late game prevent defense.

My View From The Stands..... (1) The Reservation was rocking Friday night. (2) The Gaffney team, especially the offense, is playing with more passion and confidence since the change at QB. The threat of the athletic Shaq Davidson at QB has really opened up the rushing game for Gaffney. (3) The short yardage "Chop" formation the Indians use has really started  to pay dividends, as they scored two TDs with it Friday night. (4) The Rebels had no answer for the Gaffney defense or QB Shaq Davidson on Friday night. (5) The Indians now control their own destiny for winning the Region 2 4A Championship. They win out and they are the champs, as they hold the tiebreaker with Dorman and Byrnes.

GAFFNEY @ RIVERSIDE PREVIEW..... The Riverside Warriors come into this game with a record of 1 and 7 and struggling big time. They run an option offense and a 4-2-5 set on defense. Their big problem this season has been turnovers. They average four a game. One positive I can say about them is they play hard even though they don't have the talent to compete day in and day out in 4 A football.

The Tribe comes into this game with a record of 5 and 3 and 3 and 1 in region play. They control their destiny for winning the region championship. They have turned their season around when people were saying three weeks ago that they might not even make the playoffs. I know that after a huge win like they had Friday night there is always a chance for an emotional let down. The Tribe has been through this already this season. After their big win over 6th ranked Dorman they were not emotionally ready to play at Wade Hampton and they were upset 17 to 10. I know the coaches have talked to the kids about this but, as we know 15, 16 and 17 year old kids tend to not listen. I do expect a let down but, what I also expect is for the Tribe to take care of business and come out of this game with a win.

Game Prediction..... I really expect the Indians to come out and play well and take care of business this week. They are playing with a chance to reach their goal of winning the region. Since they fell flat against Wade Hampton they will get it done this time..... Gaffney 42  Riverside 0

TRIBE FACTS..... Friday night was not the first time a Nationally 3rd ranked Byrnes team came to Gaffney and left with a loss. At the old Reservation in 2004 a Willy Corn led Byrnes team came in with the lofty ranking only to go home with a loss. The same thing happened in 2006 as well. This was the biggest win for Gaffney at The New Reservation.

Until Next Time.

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.

MAULDIN @ GAFFNEY 2012 PREVIEW

I want to apologize to my Tribe Blitz followers whom I like to call Tribe Blitzers for not having a Gaffney @ Wade Hampton Preview last week. I had computer issues and could not publish the blog. Since the game was such an embarrassing debacle I am going to move on to a brief recap of the game and preview the Mauldin @ Gaffney game this week.

Gaffney @ Wade Hampton 2012 Recap..... I am going to be short and and to the point. GAFFNEY HAD AN INEXCUSABLE LOSS TO AN INFERIOR FOOTBALL TEAM IN WADE HAMPTON LAST FRIDAY NIGHT!! THEY LOST 17 TO 10!! IT WAS EMBARRASSING, UNCALLED FOR AND SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED!!

My View From The Stands..... (1) The Indians were not ready to play emotionally and it showed big time. I blame the players and the coaches for this. (2) It was the worst play calling I HAVE EVER SEEN!! (3) The coaches need to get off of their arrogant high horses and make some changes to shake things up! You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS NOT WORKING!!! (4) The coaches and the players think they can win based on how they played last season AND THEY CAN'T! THIS IS NOT LAST YEARS TEAM!! (5) I still think this team has enough talent to be a pretty good team but, they have to start being held accountable if they are not getting the job done. (6) The players and coaches need to start remembering the Pride and Tradition that is Gaffney Indians football.

Mauldin @ Gaffney Preview..... The Mauldin Mavericks and the Gaffney Indians both come into this game with 3 and 3 overall records. They both come in with 1 and 1 records in Region 2 4A. The Mavericks have beaten Wade Hampton 64 to 37 and lost to Dorman 49 to 14. Gaffney has beaten Dorman 14 to 0 and lost to Wade Hampton 17 to 10.

The Mauldin offense has scored more points than any other team in Region 2 4A this season. They have scored 241 points for an average of 40.2 per game. They are led by their elusive and athletic QB Dre Massey. He can beat you with his legs as well as his arm. He will remind Gaffney fans of former Shrine Bowl QB DeEdward Burris who starred in Gaffney.

The Mauldin defense has had its problems stopping opposing offenses this season. They run a 4-2-5 defense that is very similar to Gaffney's.

It should be an interesting game for the Indians. We are looking for some line up changes with Shaq Davidson playing more at QB and some changes on the offensive line as well. We will probably see Hyleck Foster and Jo Jo McGill in the game together more often too. We might even see Sr. DBs Cobby McDowell  and OB Davidson some at WR. We might even see QB Luke Lancaster playing some at WR. The Indians not only have to deal with these personnel changes but, with the distractions of homecoming as well.

I think it is long over due for some changes by the Indians but, you know what they say, " It's better late than never".

The Tribe's defense needs to play inspired football and they must contain Mauldin QB Dre Massey in order to win this ball game. He went off two weeks ago against Wade Hampton and the Mavericks scored 64 on the same Generals defense that Gaffney struggled against last Friday night.

Game Prediction..... At times Gaffney struggles to focus on playing football on homecoming. They must focus Friday night because of the way they are playing right now. They are no gimme wins for Gaffney this year. They should be excited to start the game and they need to maintain it for the whole ball game because Mauldin would like nothing better than to come into The Reservation and beat the Indians on homecoming. I see the Indians bouncing back and getting a hard earned win..... Gaffney 28  Mauldin 20 

TRIBE FACTS..... Gaffney is 4 and 0 all time against the Mauldin Mavericks.

Until Next Time.

DORMAN @ GAFFNEY 2012 PREVIEW

The Tribe went into their Open Date with a disappointing 2 and 2 record. Hopefully they have fixed their problems and will actually look like a football team this week against Dorman. Let’s look at this match-up of Region 2 4A rivals as they meet at The Reservation in the first Region game of the 2012 season.

Dorman @ Gaffney

The Cavaliers come into this game with a 3 and 1 record. They had a very convincing win over Dutch Fork last week. They are led on offense by QB Trey Robinson. He is completing 77% of his passes this season and he is a very good runner. The Cavaliers have a very strong running game and a much better passing game than last year.

The Dorman defense runs a 3-4 scheme and are very fast and aggressive. They have the ability to put pressure on the QB and they force turnovers. 

The Tribe has worked very hard during their open date making adjustments from a technical standpoint. They have worked on correcting their mistakes in execution. They probably will not have many personel changes.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR….. I look for the Indians to play much better this week and I expect a capacity crowd at The Reservation Friday night.

Game Prediction….. The Cavaliers come in on a roll and the Indians come in with a lot of questions. I look for a better performance by the Tribe but, I look for them to come up short….. Dorman 24  Gaffney 21

Until Next Time.

YORK @ GAFFNEY 2012 REVIEW

INDIANS FALL HARD AGAIN!!

The Tribe fell to 0 and 2 at The Reservation this season falling to York 34 to 19. Penalties, turnovers, missed opportunities and a lack of execution doomed Gaffney Friday night. The Game was tied at 13 to 13 at the half only to have the Tribe to draw first blood in the 3rd quarter to go up 19 to 13. It should have been a sign of things to come, as they missed the PAT. Things went down hill from there for the Indians, as York out scored them 21 to 0 the rest of the way to leave Cherokee County with a big win over the Tribe and an unbeaten record. Gaffney falls to 2 and 2 on the season as they go into their open date.

My View From The Stands..... (1) I saw a very good effort from the Gaffney team Friday night but, they are still making way to many mistakes and they are not executing on offense. (2) I saw an offense still looking for an identity and a young defensive secondary struggling to make plays. (3) I saw a dominating performance from the Gaffney defensive front seven, as they forced five turnovers and had eight sacks. It was another dominant performance from Jaylin Miller with 4 sacks and several QB hurries. (4) I saw a Gaffney passing game that continues to struggle. It was their worst game of the season so far. QB Luke Lancaster went 9 for 28 for 147 yards and 2 INTs with 1 TD pass. I also saw receivers dropping passes, the QB not seeing open receivers and receivers running bad routes. (5) I saw Gaffney trying to be a running football team out of a shotgun spread offense. IT IS NOT GOING TO WORK!! To be a good running team out of the spread you have to have a threat of a passing game. WE DON'T HAVE THAT RIGHT NOW!!

WHAT SHOULD GAFFNEY DO NEXT?

The team, coaches and fans can't panic and give up on the season. They're is still time to fix it and get better. I think the players and coaches need to be held accountable for what they are not doing. Instead of talking about fixing the problems DO IT! I also think they need to try someone else at QB. I think Luke Lancaster has the talent to be a good High School QB but, he needs to sit and watch and try to learn from his mistakes. The coaches need to coach better as well. Hopefully we will see a better product on the field next Friday night against Dorman.

GAFFNEY HAS OPEN DATE

Since the Indians opened the season in week 0 they have an open date this Friday night. In my opinion the open date has come at a good time so they can try to find some answers and regroup to get ready for the start of Region 2 4A play next week against Dorman at The Reservation.

Until Next Time.

YORK @ GAFFNEY WEEK 3 PREVIEW

INDIANS WIN A THRILLER IN UNION!! The Tribe won a game in the closing seconds for the first time in a while, as they escaped Union with a 28 to 21 victory over the Union County Yellow Jackets. The Tribe led 21 to 7 with about a minute and a half left in the game when Union County scored but, had their extra point blocked by Jaylin Miller and trailed 21 to 13. Union County would then recover the onsides kick and then score again in three plays and then got the two point conversion to tie the game at 21 to 21. The Tribe got a good kick off return from Hyleck Foster out to the Gaffney 44 yard line. With less than a minute left the Tribe went to work. After a running play, QB Luke Lancaster threw his best pass of the night when he connected with Eddie Studyvance in stride for a nice gain down to the Union County 21-yard line. After a short gain on a pass to Shaq Davidson, reserve RB JoJo McGill took a hand off which was suppose to go to the left to put the ball in the middle of the field to set up a possible game winning field goal but, he cut back to the right and got a great block from WR Bryce Spurlin and went in untouched for the game winning TD with 3 seconds left. The Tribe won a thriller 28 to 21 over Union County.

My View From The Stands..... (1) Gaffney DE Jaylin Miller had a dominating game against the Jackets. He had several tackles, batted down 6 passes, had 1 sack and blocked a PAT. (2) It was good to see life pumped back into the Union County program from new Head Coach Steve Tanneyhill. (3) I saw a tremendous game from Gaffney's reserve RB JoJo McGill, as he had 150 yards rushing and 2 TDs including the game winner with 3 seconds left. (4) I saw the best atmosphere for a Gaffney and Union game since the consolidation of the Union County schools.

YORK @ GAFFNEY PREVIEW

The York Cougars come into The Reservation unbeaten and confident and looking to knock off the Tribe. York has a new offensive coordinator whom has installed the spread offense that is very similar to Gaffney's. They are led on offense by their QB Spencer Carroll their coach's son. He has been starting since the 9th grade.

The Cougars strength is their strong and aggressive defense. They are experienced with 10 seniors starting. They play an aggressive 3-4 defense that thrives on forcing turnovers. They ran two INTs back for TDs last week against Boiling Springs and had another that they ran back deep into Bulldogs territory to set up another score.

The Indians need to continue to improve on offense and try to get the ball into their play makers hands. Try to get Foster and McGill on the field at the same time. Luke Lancaster needs to spread the ball around manage the game and not turn it over.

The Gaffney defense has looked better the past two weeks. They need to get even better and try to play with more intensity. They need another big game from Jaylin Miller and the others on the defensive front. Put pressure on Spencer Carroll and force some turnovers. Gaffney needs to improve on their kicking game.

Game Prediction..... I see the Cougars giving the Tribe all they want. The Reservation home crowd will be a factor and I see the Tribe getting the win..... Gaffney 24  York 17

Until Next Time.