Long finishes strong

Ledger photo by LARRYLITTLEJOHN Gaffney quarterback Malcolm Long looks for a receiver during Saturday's Class 4A Division I state title game. Long threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns in the Indians' 45-0 win over Irmo. Malcolm Long got the Christmas present he really wanted - another state championship.

Long completed three touchdown passes and rushed for two more as the Indians captured their second straight Class 4A Division I state championship with a 45-0 victory over Irmo on Saturday.

It's Long's fifth state title ring, including two as a member of the school's state championship basketball team.

"Winning the state championship is the perfect Christmas present," Long said. "I was surprised (at the score). Irmo is not a bad football team. They are real fundamental."

Long capped his brilliant Gaffney career with one of his best performances, completing 16 of his 20 throws for 262 yards. He also rushed for 25 yards.

"We just tried to execute," Long said. "We just tried to keep scoring. They were giving us the run, so we took it."

Long's first touchdown pass came on a 59- yarder to Tyson Petty.

"That's a play we've practiced all week," Long said. "Tyson lined up in the backfield and it was a throwback pass."

Tight end Richard Good was on the receiving end of Long's next touchdown pass.

"Irmo didn't cover the tight end," Long said. "We thought we could get it to Richard."

Long's final touchdown pass was a 5-yard fade to little-used to 6-4 Rodney Love, giving him 32 touchdown passes on the year.

Long said he'll always fondly remember his career with the Indians.

"Playing at Gaffney is a tradition," he said.

Long will now focus on the North-South All-Star game this weekend.

"I just want to play the best that I can over there," he said.

Currently, Long has received scholarship offers from South Carolina State and Mars Hill. But a good showing by Long at the allstar game may boost that number.