Eight Indians named all-region

Andy Strickland Royals’ new reliever Ledger Sports Editor

Although the Gaffney Indians’ season ended in disappointment last Thursday at Rock Hill, there’s still reason for some players to celebrate.

Eight Indians, including Shrine Bowl wide receiver Andy Strickland, were named all-region by the Region III-4A coaches.

Despite missing four games with a high ankle sprain, Strickland finished with 39 catches for 592 yards, an average of 15 yards a catch. He had three TD catches.

Strickland’s absence gave Donald Sims an opportunity to shine. Sims, who was also named all-region, capped his senior season with a team-high 72 catches for 975 yards. He also led receivers in touchdown catches with eight.

Nick Melton, who started the season at quarterback before his shift to wide receiver against Fort Mill, was named all-region as “an athlete.”

Melton displayed his athleticism by leading the team in passing yards and completions as well as finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher with 333 yards. He also handled the punting chores for the Indians this season.

Melton, a junior, also caught six passes for 112 yards and three touchdowns.

Brett Irvin, another junior who anchored the team’s inexperienced offensive line, was named as one of the region’s best centers.

The Indians also placed four players on the all-region defensive squad.

Inside linebackers and all-region selections Paul Littlejohn and Julius Wilkerson were a big reason teams rushed for just 119 yards a game this year against the Indians.

All-region cornerback Jeff Galmer picked off seven passes this year and had one of the unit’s biggest plays of the year when he forced a fumble in the final minutes in the victory over Byrnes.

Clay Champion, who showed his versatility by playing both tackle and end, was also named to the all-region team.

The complete team is expected to be announced following the championship games next Saturday in Columbia.