Ledger photo by LARRY HILLIARD Gaffney quarterback Dustin Batchler and his teammates took the field for the first day of preseason practice today. Batchler will battle Bo Davidson for the starting spot. It's back to work for the two-time defending state champion.

The Indians took the field at 8 a.m. for the first of two practice sessions. The Indians' second, two-hour practice session began at 11 a.m.

With the first scrimmage just five days away, Gaffney head coach Phil Strickland said there is no time to waste.

"We are going to be expanding where we left off in spring practice," Strickland said. "We will start adding to our packages. We need to get these stones unturned."

As usual, the Indians will have a big bullseye on their backs. That bullseye may get bigger. The Indians are expected to appear in several national polls, possibly The USA Today national prep poll. Strickland said he has filled out questionnaires from numerous polling services, but hasn't heard if the Indians will appear in the national rankings.

"We will try to use it to our advantage," he said. "We like to have a target on our backs. We know that we will get everybody's best shot. We know we have to give our 'A' game or we won't fare very well."

Strickland said he expects a competitive preseason camp with all the positions are up for grabs.

"No position is settled," he said. "Everybody has to earn their spot."

Despite the Indians' likely lofty ranking, there are some concerns, though. Strickland said the Indians will be inexperienced at quarterback. Dustin Batchler, who served as Malcolm Long's backup a season ago, has been atop the depth chart during spring practice. Jayvee backup Bo Davidson also took snaps. David Dewberry could see action at quarterback, but Strickland said he wants to keep Dewberry at tight end.

The Indians must also replace starting wide receivers Tyson Petty, Mark Tate and Terry Barnes. Emison Hughes, Jeffrey Brown and Chris Perry are trying to fill the void.

Defensively, Strickland said he likes the depth there.

"We have a lot of people," he said. "There is a lot of competition. We feel like we have some quality people to push the starters."

There is no question who will be the starter at inside linebacker, with J.B. Shippy, the team's leading tackler, returning. Darius Dawkins and sophomore Chris Adams are vying for the other inside linebacker spot filled last year by Brandon Bonner and Larevus Dawkins.

John Michaels, Stacy Wilson, Anthony Gallman, Quincey Jackson and Eddie Jefferies are competing for the starting outside linebacker spots.

Cornerbacks Robert Littlejohn and former Boiling Springs quarterback Cam Smith are looking to fill the shoes of graduated starters Kendrick Tate and Kelin Morris.

Johnny Woods is back at free safety.

The defensive line was hit hard by graduation. But parttime starter Lavar Ross is back to provide veteran leadership. Kurt Littlejohn, B.J. Spencer, who has gained 20 lbs. in the offseason, and Tory Leach are battling for starting spots.