Indians finish 3-3 at passing tourney

PHIL STRICKLAND Imagine the scene:

"The Gaffney indians driving for the potential game-winning score against archrival Spartanburg. But to the dismay of the Indian faithful, the Vikings intercept the pass at the 1- yard line."

It happened Saturday at the 7-on-7 Clemson University Passing Tournament, not a playoff game.

Thanks to the interception, the Vikings held on for a 25-22 victory to advance to the championship game of the tournament.

Gaffney finished the tournament with a 3-3 record after losing to North Forsyth High of Georgia, and McEachern High and beating Spartanburg, Williston-Elko and Woodland high schools.

Gaffney coach Phil Strickland gave his players high marks for their performance.

"We saw some good things," he said. "The first game we didn't play very well. We missed some open receivers. But after that we played well."

Strickland said the team's three quarterbacks, Joe Craig, Bo Davidson and DeEdward Burris, are still learning the new no-huddle offense.

"They did all right, but some times they chose the wrong side to throw," he said.

Strickland said he stuck with the offense he will use during the season and didn't risk the temptation of loading up with wide receivers to score more points.

"A lot of passing leagues, teams will use five wide receivers," he said. "But we stuck with the stuff that do. We ran four wide receivers most of the time."

Strickland said the team's defensive backs showed their inexperience.

"We made a lot of mistakes," he said. "A couple of times we had some blown coverages."

The Indians opened the tournament with a 22- 18 loss to North Forsyth. The Indians evened its record with an impressive 30-11 win over Spartanburg. But then lost 19-13 to McEachern High, which played for the Georgia Class 6A state championship last season.

Gaffney came back to beat Williston-Elko 28-0 and Woodland 30-15 to advance to the championship round.

Spartanburg avenged the earlier loss and eliminated Gaffney from the championship tournament.

"We played some pretty good competition," Strickland said. "It's a progression with this offense. We are still sticking some stuff in."