Offense shines at Border Showcase

Ledger photo/ JOE L. HUGHES II Gaffney running back Jeremiah Cochran eludes the grasp of a Crest defender on his way to a big gain during the first half of Saturday's Border Showcase in Duncan. The Indians would win the game, 27-14. DUNCAN— Friday's game vs. Crest in Duncan may have been a mere preseason game to most.

But for Gaffney it was a chance for to open its 2008 campaign with a statement.

The tough running of Jeremiah Cochran and the efficient play of Bo Davidson and Joe Craig helped the Indians do just that with a 27-14 win over Crest at Border Showcase IV.

"With these games you really don't know what to expect," Gaffney head coach Phil Strickland said. "But we did some things well and found a way to win."

Davidson opened the game under center for the Indians, directing the team down the field for scores on each of their first two possessions.

The senior quarterback used the screen game to find veteran targets Emison Hughes, Tim Dawkins and Jeffery Brown— who Davidson found in the back of the end zone from 18-yards out to complete the Indians' opening drive.

For Gaffney fans, it was the first time they had seen the team's new offensive strategy, the no-huddle. Used to keep defenses honest as well as speed up the pace, it surprised the Chargers and caused several problems for them early on.

"I think we kind of caught them with their pants down with the nohuddle. I don't know if they were ready for that," Strickland said. "But it worked well and we'll see where things go from here."

The Indians' second score came just as easy as the first. Following a long run by Kenard Lipscomb that left the ball inside the 5-yard line, the running back finished the drive, taking it in himself to put Gaffney up 14-0.

Davidson would be replaced by Craig on the Indians' third drive. However, one thing remained the same as Cochran continued the team's dominance on the ground.

His short touchdown run put Gaffney "comfortably" ahead, 21-0.

"Our offense looked very good," Strickland said.

However, things would become interesting on the Indians' next possession.

Immediately after a Gaffney turnover, Crest quarterback Reggie Wilkins raced 85-yards for the team's first score of the game.

Wilkins would make another trip to end zone following another turnover, pulling the Chargers to within a touchdown, 21-14.

But that would be the closest Crest would get in the contest, as a late touchdown pass from Davidson to Hughes wrapped up the win.

"We made a few mistakes on defense and we paid for it," Strickland said. "They were out there for a long time tonight. But they didn't give up and that type of effort is what we are looking for."

Cochran was named the game's MVP after rushing for 63 yards on nine carries.

Despite the thrill of the win, the most important thing is game experience, according to Strickland.

"The main thing was getting them used to being under the lights," the coach said.