Gaffney sacks Cougars

Gaffney linebacker J.B. Shippy sacks Colleton County quarterback Zach Singleton during first-quarter action of Friday's opening round playoff game at Brumbach Stadium. The Colleton County Cougars had a dropped pass and a reverse that lost a yard on their first series.

It didn't get any better for the Cougars' offense against the stout Gaffney Indians' defense.

Malcolm Long threw four touchdown passes and the Indians' defense held the Cougars to -46 yards rushing in a 39-7 victory in the opening round of the Class 4A Division I playoffs at Brumbach Stadium Friday.

The Indians will host Byrnes on Friday in an eagerly-anticipated rematch of their nationally televised game.

Gaffney held Colleton County to just 96 total yards. The Cougars' lone touchdown came against the Indians' reserves with 8:29 to go in the game.

"I'm proud of the kids," Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said. "We played a little sluggish in the first half, but the defense played great the whole game. But we have to play better than that to beat Byrnes."

Linebacker J.B. Shippy had another big game with a couple of sacks.

"The defense sparked things," Shippy said. "We just love to be on the field."

Colleton County Shrine Bowl receiver Nick Adams had three catches for 84 yards, but most of that production came against the Indians' reserves.

With the Cougars stacking the line of scrimmage, the Indians went to the air to move the ball. Long completed 12 of his 17 passes for 205 yards.

"We thought they would load up the box," Strickland said.

After failing to pick up a first down on their first possession, the Indians started clicking when Long connected with Anthony Tyus for a 46-yard gain on third-and-19 from the Indians' 39. Two plays later, Jeremiah Cochran scored to make it 6-0. The extra point was blocked.

Gaffney went up 12-0 on its next series when Terry Barnes hauled in a 10-yard touchdown toss from Long, who also had a 48-yard completion to Tyson Petty and a 12-yard pass to Richard Good on the drive. The Indians failed on their try for a 2- point conversion.

Kendrick Tate stopped the Cougars' next possession with an interception. Two plays later, Long hit Petty on a slant for a 38-yard touchdown. Jonathan Motts' extra point was blocked again.

The Indians' special teams set up the team's next score. Shippy recovered the blocked punt by Garrett Bridges at the Colleton County 19. On a second and-12 from the 22, Long and Barnes hooked up for another touchdown with 4:10 left before halftime.

Things didn't improve for Colleton County in the second half. Barnes' punt return led to a Cochran 9-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter.

Gaffney's final touchdown came on Barnes' 20-yard TD reception.

The Indians made it through the game without a major injury. Long suffered a minor injury but is expected to be ready for practice today.