Youthful Gaffney golfers in spotlight at state tourney

Matthew Hopper leads the Indians against the state's best at the Class 4A state tournament today and Tuesday at Furman University. The Gaffney High golf team enters today's state Class 4A tournament attempting to prove that experience is overrated.

The Indians return to the state tournament after a year's absence with a team that includes two juniors, a pair of sophomores and a seventh-grader.

Despite the team's youth, first-year Gaffney coach Todd Coggins said his golfers won't back down.

"I'm real proud of what we've accomplished," he said. "But we aren't finished yet."

The Indians had impressive showings at several high-profile tournaments, including a third-place showing at the Hardaway Invitational in Atlanta, and finished a strong second in the regional tournament to defending state champion Dorman.

Gaffney teed off at 8:34 a.m. at the Furman University golf course. The teams play 36 holes today and 18 more on Tuesday before the 2008 state champion is crowned.

Coggins said the course favors long hitters, similar to Gaffney's home course of Cherokee National. The greens are in reasonably firm shape, considering they will be replaced after the conclusion of the tournament, he added.

How his players react to the greens will play a large role in their success.

"Putting will be the key," Coggins said.

Matthew Hopper, a junior, has been Gaffney's most consistent golfer this season. Coggins said he's looking for Hopper to continue his hot streak at the state tournament.

"He's already had a great season, but this is where he can show them what he can do," Coggins said.

Junior Phillips Rogers has been another consistent performer this season.

"He's just a great ball striker," Coggins said.

Sophomore Daniel Whisenant has the potential to shoot a low score at any time, according to Coggins.

Sophomore Adam Goins has a history of elevating his game when the stakes are the highest.

Goins was the lone Indian to qualify for the state tournament last year.

Seventh-grader Trey Taylor also will be competing for the Indians. Coggins said Taylor shows remarkable poise for his age.

"I thought he'd be nervous at the region tournament, but he wasn't," he said. "I guess he doesn't have any nerves."

The top four scores from each school will be used to determine the total team score.

Coaches can replace a struggling player after 18 holes.

Dutch Fork, which won the Southern Cross tournament on Saturday, is the favorite, Coggins said.