Indians run over Wildcats

Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Gaffney quarterback Bo Davidson picks up good yardage against Lexington on Friday. With the title game just two games away, the 2-time defending state champion Gaffney Indians have things right where they want them: the offense is hitting its stride and the defense keeps stuffing the opposition.

The Indians rushed for 263 yards and the defense allowed just 171 total yards in beating visiting Lexington, 26-7, in a first-round Class 4A playoff matchup Friday at The Reservation.

"We are moving the ball on the ground and hitting the little spot passes," Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said. "I think we are progressing."

Gaffney travels to Sumter Friday for a second round playoff matchup.

Offensive lineman Robbie Peterson said the Indians were able to control the game with their rushing game.

"We just executed," he said. "We ran the ball well."

And for the first time in a long time, the Indians also preformed well in the red zone. After punting on their opening possession, the Indians scored on their next four drives, including a 99-yard march capped by a 14- yard scoring toss from Joe Craig to Jeff Brown.

"At first I was nervous because I just didn't want to mess up," said the sophomore Craig, who split time at quarterback with Bo Davidson. "The (coaches) were mixing up the pass and the run."

Craig completed four of his six throws for 39 yards. He also rushed for 43 yards on eight carries. Davidson, who returned from an injured shoulder, was three of 5 for 26 yards. Neither quarterback threw an interception.

The Indians' defense also had a huge game, limiting 1,200-yard rusher Anthony Carden to only 23 yards on 12 carries. '

"The defense bent but didn't break," Strickland said.

Lexington went 75 yards on 13 plays to tie the game at 7 with two minutes left before halftime. The drive, which ate up more than 10 minutes, was helped by a pass interference call that moved the ball to the Gaffney 8.

The Indians quickly regained the momentum on Cameron Smith's 59-yard kickoff return. Eight plays later, Jeremiah Cochran gave the Indians the lead for good with a 1-yard run with just :19 left before halftime.

Gaffney capitalized on Lexington's fumble on its opening possession of the second half to go up 20-7 on Cochran's 5-yard run.

The Wildcats threatened in the third quarter, but couldn't convert on a fourth-and-1 at the Gaffney 28.

The Indians then marched 72 yards to make it 26-7 on Steffen Foster's 1-yard run with 9:22 left in the game.

Gaffney extended its home win streak to 17 games in what is likely the final game at the venerable Reservation.