Aside from the rivalry between the two schools and the return of Gaffney transfer Nick Melton to The Reservation, there’s much more at stake today when the Indians host Dorman.

For those still tripping on tryptophan, the winner of this day after Thanksgiving delectable matchup will be served up a spot in the Big 16 title game.

The Cavaliers will be trying to advance to their first Big 16 title game since 2000. It’s

been two years since the Indians’ beat Sumter for the state championship.

“Dorman is a good football team and we’ll need to play well,” Gaffney coach Phil

Strickland said.

Dorman coach Dave Gutshall dished out the compliments to describe the Indians.

“They are a very talented. They will be the best defense we have faced,” he said.

Both coaches turned mostly mum when the topic turned to Melton, who transferred from Gaffney to Dorman last summer.

“It’s not a Nick Melton game. It’s Gaffney vs. Dorman,” Gutshall said.

Strickland said: “We aren’t even mentioning Nick. It’s a game against Dorman.”

In the first matchup this season, thenDorman quarterback R.J. Reeder provided the spark as the Cavaliers built an 11-point lead then hung on for a 17-14 victory.

Both coaches agree the teams have undergone huge transformations since the seasonopener. Gaffney’s change can be traced to Quinton Hemphill’s emergence as a potent running threat, according to Gutshall.

“The biggest thing now is that Gaffney is running the ball so well,” Gutshall said. “Quinton Hemphill has made a big difference. He cuts where the open field is and he runs where the hole is.”

Dorman’s big change came when Melton regained his eligibility in mid-October and replaced Reeder, who moved to running back, where he has rushed for 671 yards on 175 carries.

“It’s a little different team now,” Strickland said. “They have changed their offense a little. We have to keep our eye on Reeder. They are very balanced now.”

Strickland is also concerned about the Cavaliers’ veteran wideouts, including Chad Peake (51 catches for 742 yards), Travis Simpson (30 catches for 535 yards) and Michael Crossley.

“They don’t have one go-to receiver,” he said. “They have a lot of balance.”

There’s one place neither team has changed. Both teams have played well defensively the entire season.

Norbert Tomlin (5-10, 250) anchors the Dorman defensive line. Linebackers Martez Earles, Cameron Lyles and Pierre Brown have played exceptionally well, Gutshall said.

Bubba Giles and Reeder lead the Cavs’ secondary.

Strickland is worried about the Cavaliers’ aggressiveness as much as their talent.

“They are quick and they won’t sit still,” he said. “They are going to blitz a lot and we have to recognize the blitz.”

Gutshall wouldn’t be surprised if the game is a nail-biter.

“On paper, the teams look even. It’s going to be the little things. We can’t have breakdowns in the kicking game,” he said.

Strickland said the Indians must keep their focus in a frenzied home environment.

“We have to control our emotions,” he said.

Dorman (9-4) at Gaffney (10-3) at 7:30 p.m.

Players to Watch Dorman QB Nick Melton, RB R.J. Reeder, WR Chad Peake, DL Norbert Tomlin, LB Martez Earles. Gaffney QB Malcolm Long, WR Cameron Tate, RB Quinton Hemphill, LB Julius Wilkerson.

What the Indians must do to win The Indians must pick up the Dorman blitz and force the Dorman offense to be one-dimensional.

What the Cavaliers must do to win pressure quarterback Malcolm Long and force some turnovers.