Indians make coach proud with their desire to win
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

Ledger photo by LARRY HILLIARD Quarterback Joe Craig will be a key returning player for the Indians next season.

The Gaffney Indians played with a never-givein attitude this season - and head coach Phil Strickland couldn't be prouder.

"I have never been one to compare teams," Strickland said. "But this team probably had the slowest overall team speed, but they made up the difference in heart."

That heart was on display last Friday when the underdog Indians battled favored Summerville to the end.

"We were just a play away from going to the state championship game," he said. "This year was real rewarding. We weren't a great team but nobody ever told (the players) that. I'm just real pleased. As a coach, the main thing is that you want your kids to play hard and they did that."

This year's team overcame adversity which should serve the players well.

"Football teaches a lot of life lessons," Strickland said. "The players can take a lot of lessons through their life."

The Indians' 11-3 record is even more remarkable considering the unsettled quarterback situation. The Indians used four quarterbacks before settling on sophomore Joe Craig as the No. 1 starter in the playoffs.

"To have four quarterbacks has to have an impact on a team, but they found a way to win," Strickland said.

Although Strickland acknowledged he hasn't had time to think about the makeup of next year's team, the Indians will be inexperienced on the offensive line with the graduation of three seniors, including longtime starters Robbie Peterson, Joe Ben Frye and Shrine Bowler Kevin Brockman. A fourth lineman, Don Manning, also saw extensive action before being sidelined with an injury.

"We have to replace a lot of good people," Strickland said. "But it's hard to focus on that right now. But we have some people coming back that have a lot of experience."

Will the Indians tweak the offense next year to take advantage of Craig's speed?

It's too soon to know, Strickland said.

"Things change in a hurry," he said. "(Craig) gives us a dimension running and passing. He'll have a chance to compete for the starter's spot, but there are no guarantees."