Win one for the 'Doc'

Ledger photo by LARRY HILLIARD Gaffney running back Steffen Foster finds a running lane against Dorman last week. Foster and the Indians travel to Spartanburg in the regular-season finale for both teams. How low will they go?

Instead of challenging for a state championship or a playoff spot, the Spartanburg Vikings are just 2-8 heading into today's traditional regular season finale against Gaffney (8-2). It will also be Doc Davis' last game as the Vikings' head coach. The embattled Davis has been on the hot seat for his disciplinary actions against star player Zycorrian Robinson.

"It's just been very frustrating," Davis said. "We've played well enough to win but our record is what it is. The kids have hung in there. It's been tough but everyday they've continued to give effort."

The Vikings can go a long way to erasing some of the disappointment of the season with a win over archrival Gaffney.

And Gaffney coach Phil Strickland knows it.

"It's going to be an emotional game," Strickland said. "It'll be win one for the Gipper, so to speak. But we need to end the regular season on a positive note."

Strickland said the Vikings record is a bit deceiving.

"They've had a rough year, but they've gotten better," he said. "Each year, they get better. Every time you watch them on film, they play a whole lot better at the end of the season."

Davis said don't blame his defense for the Vikings' poor record. The unit is giving up just 16 points a game.

"Our play has been good on defense," Davis said.

But the defense is allowing 141 yards a game on the ground.

The Indians, who have rushed for an average of 186 yards a game, will look to exploit that.

The Vikings also have trouble moving the ball on the ground. Dechard Byrd leads the team in rushing with just 707 yards.

"Our problem is our inconsistent play up front," Davis said.

The Vikings have scored just 18 points in the first quarter and often find themselves playing from behind.

"We just haven't been able to run the ball," the Spartanburg coach said. "And with an inexperienced quarterback, that just makes things tough."

Former wide receiver Mikeem Mills has been forced to play quarterback. Mills has thrown for more than 1,000 yards, but Davis said Mills is still adjusting to the position.

Strickland knows how Davis feels. David Dewberry, who was named to the North-South All-Star game as a tight end, has started the majority of the games at quarterback for the

Indians.

Bo Davidson, who sparked the Indians last and week in relief of an ineffective Dewberry, is questionable for the game after sustaining a shoulder injury against Dorman.

Gaffney offensive lineman Don Manning is also questionable for the game.

But Davis said it's the Gaffney defense that gets his attention.

"They only have two starters back on defense and they don't seem to miss a beat," he said. "They run to the ball and do a good job of stopping the run."

Davis said he hopes his team is close enough to steal a win in the fourth quarter.

"We want to be in the game late," he said. Strickland said the Indians must do a better job of cashing in on their scoring opportunities.

Gaffney (8-2, 4-1) at Spartanburg (2-8, 2-3)

Players to Watch: Gaffney QB David Dewberry, RB Jeremiah Cochran, S Johnny Woods, OL Kevin Brockman, LB J.B. Shippy.

Spartanburg - QB Mikeem Mills, RB Dechard Byrd, DL Krista Walker, DL Dylan Taylor, WR Raquintin Miller.

What the Indians must do to win - force the Vikings into passing situations and score in the red zone.

What the Vikings must do to win - rely on the emotion generated by the departure of head coach Doc Davis.