Local teams go for conference crown

Gaffney residents stick together when it comes to high school football.

But middle school football is another matter.

Families will be divided when the Gaffney Middle School Chiefs (6-0) battle the Granard Middle School Warriors (5-1) today at 6 p.m. at Brumbach Stadium for the Little Six Conference Championship.

In semifinal matchups last week, Granard beat Ewing, 28-16, while Gaffney Middle edged McCracken, 24-22 in double overtime to advance to today's title game.

Gaffney Middle coach Brad Phillips said his team must play better than last week.

"I guess we were kinda looking ahead," Phillips said. "We weren't really focused and that was my fault for not having the team prepared."

Chad Miller scored from six yards out on fourth down and Savon Dukes added the 2-point conversion to give the Chiefs the win in the second extra session.

Phillips said he's counting on Miller, who scored all three touchdowns a week ago, to have another big game today.

"We are going to have to get the ball in his hands," he said.

Quarterback James Byers and running backs Edward Bigby and Dukes also must have productive games if the Chiefs are to capture the championship.

Phillips said stopping Granard's potent running attack will be a must for his defense. That means Gaffney Middle defensive lineman Clay McKowen must dominate the line of scrimmage.

The teams met earlier in the season with Gaffney Middle escaping with a 16-6 win. But Phillips said Granard seems to be peaking at the right time.

"We caught a lot of lucky breaks the first game," he said.

There will be a $3 admission charge to the game.