"Opponents have been able to mix up the pass and run on them, but I don't think we'll be able to knock them off the ball." - Phil Strickland Gaffney head coach It doesn't get any easier for the Union Yellow Jackets today.

After opening the season with losses to Spartanburg and Dorman, the Yellow Jackets host defending Big 16 state champion Gaffney today.

"It's not an easy road," Union coach Tommy Bobo said. "We feel like Gaffney is extremely talented on both sides of the ball. They will be the best team we've faced this year and will be the best team we'll face all year."

Bobo thinks the

Yellow Jackets

have played better than their 0-2 record would suggest.

"We just have to play more consistently on offense," he said. "We had a penalty against Spartanburg on a touchdown that would have tied the game at 7 and against Dorman we had a touchdown called back that would have cut it to 14-7."

Starting quarterback Cameron Willis is banged up but will start against the Indians. His backup Bo Whitney was impressive in his playing time against Dorman last week. His touchdown throw to Rodrick Gilmore was the lone score for the Yellow Jackets.

Bobo said he has no complaints about Willis' play.

"He's been steady," he said. "He's forced a couple of things trying to make something happen for us. He's a good leader."

Freddy Bates is a good running back. He gained 120 yards against Dorman last week.

L.J. Mobley, who had seven catches for nearly 100 yards against the Cavaliers, is the Yellow Jackets most talented wide receiver. But Bobo said his offense must do a better job of getting other receivers involved in the passing game.

Gaffney coach Phil Strickland also says the Yellow Jackets are better than their record.

"They've had some bad breaks," Strickland said. "They had costly turnovers. We can't overlook Union. They always have a good team and program and they always play us hard."

Strickland said a critical matchup will be how his offense attacks the Yellow Jackets' aggressive defense.

"They have athletes on defense," he said. "They have quality defensive backs and their guys up front are huge.

"Opponents have been able to mix up the pass and run on them, but I don't think we'll be able to knock them off the ball."

Strickland said he expects to use misdirection plays to loosen up the Union defense.

Bobo thinks his defense will have its hands full.

"I feel that Malcolm (Long) controls the game (at quarterback)," he said. "We have to find a way to get the ball from them."

When the subject becomes the Indians' defense, Bobo is just as complimentary.

"Gaffney's defensive front is good and their linebackers set the tone for the defense," he said.

Bobo also likes Gaffney cornerback Kendrick Tate.

Bobo said the key to the game will be to keep Gaffney's explosive offense on the bench.

Strickland said his team must avoid the costly penalties and turnovers.

Gaffney at Union 7:30 p.m.

Players to Watch - Gaffney QB Malcolm Long, RB Steffen Foster, WR Tyson Petty, WR Terry Barnes, DL Greyson Gentry, LB J.B. Shippy. Union - QB Cameron Willis, RB Freddy Bates, WR L.J. Mobley.

What the Indians must do to win - force Cameron Willis to throw the ball and avoid the costly turnover.

What the Yellow Jackets must do to win - control the game with their running attack and pressure Gaffney quarterback Malcolm Long.