Indians must improve running game

Trevon Greene is surrounded by a host of Rock Hill defenders. The Indians’ running game struggled at times this season, GHS coach Phil Strickland said. Ledger Sports Editor

Next season, the Indians hope to turn to their ground game to get them through the playoffs.

Gaffney gained just 1 yard on 11 rushes in its 15-14 playoff loss to Rock Hill last Thursday.

That stat wasn’t lost on Gaffney coach Phil Strickland, who said the Indians must be able to run more effectively next season.

This year, the Indians gained just slightly more than 1,600 yards on the ground, an average of 129 yards a game.

A year ago, tailback A.J. Littlejohn rushed for more than 1,500, three times more than this year’s leading rusher Trevon Greene, who finished with 466 yards on 109 carries.

“We have to do a better job running the ball,” he said.

The Indians also must reduce their number of turnovers.

“Turnovers were a determining factor in a lot of the games,” he said. “We can’t turn the ball over next season like we did this season.”

Unlike this season, the Indians will have plenty of returning starters to build around. Although the Indians must replace sure-handed receivers Andy Strickland and Donald Sims, Strickland said he’s confident there are capable players ready to contribute.

The offensive line will return virtually intact, except for the graduation of Jay Palmer, who moved from the defensive to offensive line late in the season.

On defense, the Indians also return a strong nucleus in defensive linemen Grayson Gentry and Clay Champion as well as linebacker Julius Wilkerson and defensive back Cameron Tate. But the Indians must find replacements for big-play cornerback Jeff Galmer, defensive end Daniel Ellis and inside backer Paul Littlejohn, one of the team’s leading tacklers.

“I would like to say that with those returning starters, we should be pretty strong on both sides of the ball,” Strickland said.

The Indians might add some plays to their offense, but Strickland said he feels the Indians “have a pretty good offensive package.”

Gaffney will begin its offseason weightlifting and conditioning program next week.