Ace Bobby Jackson will get the start when the Gaffney Indians open district playoff action Thursday at York. When it comes to the age old chicken-or-egg question, the Gaffney Indians don't want to lay an egg in the playoffs.

The Indians entered the season with high expectations after a 4-0 start. That momentum was scrambled after opening the region with four straight losses. But the Indians regrouped, winning four of their final five region games to qualify for postseason play.

Gaffney coach Tom Owens likes the way his team responded to the early-season adversity.

"I think it just finally sunk in that if they didn't start playing, they wouldn't make the playoffs," Owens said.

Gaffney opens district play Thursday at York. White Knoll and Westside will meet in the other district opener.

The Indians are familiar with York, beating the Cougars and their ace 19-2 in a preseason tournament. But Owens said the Indians will see a different York team on Thursday.

"They have a good lefty who can throw it 92 mph," Owens said. "We beat him in the preseason but he wasn't healthy then. They are a much improved team."

So are the Indians. After struggling to score runs for most of the season, the Gaffney bats have come alive. Newcomers Josh Mata and Cameron Culp, who is riding a 9-game hitting streak, have been especially hot of late.

It's been a veteran, junior John Michaels, who has regained his confidence on the mound.

"He's come around and has thrown the ball well," Owens said.

Bobby Jackson, the team's most consistent pitcher, will start on Thursday. Owens is expecting a strong performance from his ace.

"Bobby is such a competitor," he said. "I have all the confidence in the world in him."

Owens said the Indians enter the playoffs playing their best baseball of the season.

"For the last week, we've played with a lot of confidence," he said. "I like the way we are playing. We have a lot of confidence throwing and hitting."

Owens said the Indians must stay focused to advance in the district tournament.

"The main thing is to stay focused for the task at hand," he said.