Strickland: Experience matters

A Gaffney receiver tries to elude Crest defenders during Friday's Border Showcase in Duncan. During Gaffney's recent run of success, veteran leadership has been one of the key components to the team's winning formula.

Players like Tyson Petty, Malcolm Long, J.B. Shippy and Johnny Woods played a large role during the past three years for the Indians.

But with all three now playing on Saturdays, a new bunch of leaders are now having to step up.

If last week's Border Showcase in Duncan was any indicator, things may turn out just fine.

Senior workhorse Jeremiah Cochran ran for 63 yards on nine carries and veteran signal caller Bo Davidson's efficient passing helped lead Gaffney to a 27-14 win in the preseason game over Crest (N.C.).

"This game was mostly about getting everyone some game experience," Gaffney head coach Phil Strickland. "We were hoping to get some good results from our team and it looks like we accomplished that."

It was the first game using a new offense for the Indians, revealing the team's yearning to work at a faster pace.

However, it also showed the leaps and bounds made by the squad's veteran receiving corps.

The "three amigos"— or Gaffney wideouts Jeffery Brown, Emison Hughes and Tim Dawkins— combined for two touchdowns and several key grabs in the contest.

Davidson and fellow Indian quarterback Joe Craig used quick passes and screen plays to offset the aggressive nature of Crest cornerbacks.

Such balanced play calling on the part of Gaffney offensive coordinators enabled Cochran and other running backs to burst through gaping holes, eventually wearing the smaller Chargers defense.

"Our offense played great," Strickland said. "We did a lot of good things out there."

But the offensive side of the ball is not where the team's primary rebuilding project is taking place.

The loss of Woods and other veteran players during the past few years has depleted the Indians' cupboard of proven players in the secondary.

While the group for the most part was not tested by Crest, it remains a concern as the season approaches.

"We lost a lot over there," Strickland said. "But we have quite a few talented players hoping to land a starting job there."

Strickland said he believes the best way for the young players in his secondary to gain confidence and get used to the speed of athletes at the Class 4A level is to get some playing time.

"We have to get them out there and let them play," Strickland said. "Getting them under the lights and before a crowd kind of builds confidence. We can prepare them at practice but that's different than being in a game."

Prior to last Friday's matchup with the Chargers, Gaffney had only one scrimmage under its belt at Greenwood due to the South Carolina High School League's (SCHSL) decision to withold Greer from participating in preseason scimmages and jamborees.

The verdict handed down to the SCHSL was later changed.

With only a couple of opportunities to warmup for a tough season schedule, Strickland is relying on his veterans with valuable playing experience to rub off on some of the squad's younger athletes.

"We have a lot of talented athletes on this team," Strickland said. "It's just different this year because most of them are either sophomores or juniors.

"But we think we have a good team here that can produce on the field."

Gaffney finishes its preseason slate Friday at the American Community Bank Football Jamboree in Gaffney at 7 p.m.