Brockman sidelined by injury
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

Ledger photo by LARRY HILLIARD Gaffney's Kevin Brockman (74), shown opening up a hole for a running back earlier this season, has been ruled out of Saturday's Shrine Bowl with an injury.

Gaffney guard Kevin Brockman won't be on the field when South Carolina takes on the Tar Heels Saturday at the 71st Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.

A badly sprained ankle has made certain of that.

Brockman was knocked out of the game when a player rolled over his ankle during a practice session on Monday. The injury hasn't responded to treatment and Brockman has been replaced by Johnsonville High's Justin Lewis.

"He's pretty disappointed," Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said. "Obviously he wanted to play. I wasn't there when it happened but he was doing real well in practice. He was in the first group. Somebody rolled over the back of his ankle and it's pretty badly swollen."

Brockman, who led the Indians in pancake blocks and knockdowns, won't dress for the game but will be on the sidelines.

Gaffney's J.B. Shippy is expected to spend plenty of time on the field. The linebacker has been a standout during practice sessions.

"He's having a real good week of practice," Strickland said.

Shippy led the Indians in tackles. He also had one interception and a blocked extra point.

The game will begin at 1 p.m. at Wofford's Gibbs Stadium.

South Carolina leads the all-time series, 38- 28-4, but has lost four of the last five matchups.

Tickets will be available at the gate for $15 general admission. Reserved seats will cost $25.