To assure a home playoff game, Indians need two wins in a row

The Gaffney Indians won't be thinking about last week's trouncing by Byrnes when they travel to Dorman today.

The Cavaliers? Their minds will be focused on today's matchup, which has region and playoff implications.

"This is a big game for both programs," Dorman Head Coach Dave Gutshall said. "Both teams will be playing for the homefield advantage."

Dorman (8-1; 4-1) will clinch second place in the region and a first-round playoff berth with a win. The Indians (7-2; 3-1) must beat Dorman and Spartanburg to assure itself a second-place region finish.

The Indians should be concerned with the new-look Dorman offense, which resembles Appalachian State's spread-gun option.

"We run the ball now," Gutshall said.

Christian Graham, a senior who has gained 1,225 yards, is averaging more than 7 yards a carry.

"We always knew he could run," Gutshall said. "But he's been a pleasant surprise."

Quarterback Johnny Foster is the team's second-leading rusher with 341 yards.

The Indians' defense is allowing little more than 60 yards a game on the ground.

That means the Cavaliers will likely have to go to the air a little more often today.

"We have to throw the ball," Gutshall said. "We can't be so one-dimensional."

Gaffney had trouble defending the run and pass against Byrnes last week. The Rebels gained nearly 500 yards of total offense.

Gaffney Head Coach Phil Strickland said the Indians were out of position too many times because of the crowd noise. We should have played better, but we didn't realize as a staff how dependent our players were on telling them where to go and where to line up," the Gaffney coach said.

The high decibel level was also responsible for the Indians being flagged several times for having too many players on the field.

Dorman also knows about the perils of playing Byrnes, which handed the Cavaliers their only defeat.

Dorman's defense is allowing just 170 yards a game, including just 91 through the air.

"We aren't very big but this is probably the most speed we've had on defense," Gutshall said.

Free safety Steven Thomas, who was picked to play in the Shrine Bowl, and linebacker Spencer Babbs, anchor the unit.

Gutshall said the kicking game and turnovers will be deciding factors.

"With two pretty evenly matched teams, the kicking game and turnovers will be big," he said. "Field position will also be key because both defenses are outstanding."

Strickland said Dorman is much-improved.

"They do a lot of good things," he said. "They run the ball and run the ball out of the option. We have to make sure we play assignment football."