Never mind the spread offense.

With all those rushes, the Gaffney Indians look more like a modern-day option team, rather than a passhappy throw on every down team like the Byrnes Rebels.

“The one thing we found out early is that we weren’t as much a spread team as we were an I-team and playaction team,” Gaffney offensive coordinator Greg Lawson said.

Rather than throw 20 to 30 times a game, the Indians moved the ball by rolling up yards on the ground. In the final six games of the season, quarterback Malcolm Long averaged just 12 passes a game.

Lawson also found out that former Blacksburg High standout and Independence High School transfer Quinton Hemphill is quite an amazing runner.

“Another big thing about our offense was moving Quinton to tailback,” he said.

Since becoming the primary ball carrier at midseason Hemphill’s stats have been amazing. He’s rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and is averaging a whopping 6.9 yards a carry. He’s been spectacular in the playoffs, where he has gained more than 200 yards against both Spartanburg and Dorman.

“He has vision when he runs,” Lawson said. “He has the ability to see the holes before they open and he’s just a natural running back. He’s what you look for in a running back.”

The emergence of the running game has had an additional benefit relieving some of the pressure on Long.

“We don’t want Malcolm to have to shoulder the weight of the game,” Lawson said. “All he has to do is to perform within our system.”

Although Lawson enjoys throwing the ball, he appreciates the effectiveness of a run-oriented attack.

“I like two back

sets,”

he said. “I

also like throwing off play action. I also like to throw the ball but you have to take what the defense gives you. This year, it’s been like a puzzle. It just took awhile to put the pieces together.”

Lawson also credited the development of tight end Richard Good in helping the offense click.

“He’s been a big part of it, too,” Lawson said. “He has great hands and is one of the best blockers on the team.”

In Saturday’s Big 16 title game, Lawson expects Summerville to try to shut down Hemphill, leaving opportunities in the passing game.

“We’ll have to establish the running game, but we know we’ll have to be able to throw a little bit,” he said. “Summerville will be a challenge for our offense. Anytime a team makes it to the state championship game, they have to be pretty good.”