Indians headed back to Columbia

Gaffney’s Ventae Tate celebrates with fans after the Indians’ 35-21 victory over Dorman Friday night in the upper state championship game at The Reservation. See Page 11A for full game coverage. (Ledger Photo by Larry B. Littlejohn) In the Big 16 upper state championship football game two years ago, John McKissick and Summerville were sure they scored when Alex Haynes raced into the end zone in overtime.

But a referee flagged the Green Wave for holding, wiping out the touchdown and setting the stage for one of the Indians’ most dramatic victories at Brumbach Stadium.

On the first play of overtime, the Indians did the unexpected a pass to wideout Nick Melton that almost ended in a turnover.

On the second play of overtime, the Indians did the expected a pass to Shrine Bowl receiver and current South Carolina star Sidney Rice that ended in a touchdown and a 19-16 overtime victory.

A week later, the Indians would claim their 14th state title with a 7point victory over Sumter.

Summerville and Gaffney long synonymous with prep football excellence will renew their infrequent but legendary rivalry Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium with the Big 16 title on the line.

But the teams will have to go some to upstage the thrilling finish in 2003.

McKissick, the country’s winningest all-time coach, has described the loss as one of the toughest of his storied career.

It’s easy to see why.

The Green Wave were ranked No. 12 in the nation and hardly broke a sweat in compiling a perfect 13-0 mark. They featured a dominating ground attack, which averaged nearly 400 yards a game.

But on a blustery and frigid night at The Reservation the football gods would intervene once again on behalf of the Indians.

Gaffney trailed 13-0 at the half and showed little spark until late in the third quarter when Antonio Gaffney, who uncharacteristically tossed three interceptions, drove the Indians 81 yards on just six plays for a touchdown. The point after was missed, leaving the Indians with a 7point deficit.

The touchdown energized the Indians’ defense, which forced a three-and-out for the Green Wave.

Rice took over from there.

On the series’ first play, he took a screen pass, cut inside, got a key block and raced 77 yards for the game-tying score with 8:26 left in the game.

Both teams threatened to score late in the fourth quarter, but Summerville turned the ball over on downs and an interception killed a promising Indians’ drive.

Fittingly, the game was settled in overtime with Rice’s catch becoming one of the most important pieces of the Indians’ football history.