QUINTON HEMPHILL Quinton Hemphill stamped his name prominently on one of the most thrilling games ever, rushing for more than 200 yards and intercepting a last-second pass to preserve the Gaffney Indians’ 29-27 victory.

Simply put, Hemphill wouldn’t let the Indians lose.

“This is the best game I ever had,” said Hemphill, the former Blacksburg High standout who transferred from Independence High School.

Hemphill rushed for 206 yards but the final six yards were the most important. The Indians got the ball at the Spartanburg 6 after recovering Spartanburg quarterback Nick Prochak’s fumble with :50.3 left in the game.

Hemphill said the coaching staff was prepared to switch him to wide receiver for the game-deciding series, but he balked at the idea.

“They were going to put me at wide receiver but I told them put me at running back,” he said. “They asked me what play I wanted to run and I said play 47.”

Play 47 is a draw and Hemphill ran the play to perfection, following his blockers until he launched himself into the end zone for the game-winning score.

But Hemphill wasn’t done just yet. He then persuaded defensive back coach Cameron Brooks to play him on defense, where he intercepted a desperation pass to preserve the victory.

Despite carrying the ball nearly 30 times, Hemphill said he never felt fatigued.

“When Charles (Smith) got hurt, I just knew I had to suck it up,” he said. “I just want to do everything I can to get a state championship ring.”

Hemphill also made a big play on a pass reception. Hemphill took a short pass and bulled his way for 18 yards for a key first down, setting up Justin Harris for a field goal.