Defense shines despite 9 new starters

In its first regular season game, the Gaffney defense looked in midseason form.

With nine new starters, the defense held the high-powered Dorman offense scoreless in regulation before giving up a touchdown in overtime.

Gaffney defensive coordinator Dan Jones had no complaints about his unit's performance.

"I was real pleased," Jones said. "The effort was there. This was Dorman's second game."

The Indians' game plan was to force the Cavaliers to throw the ball. That strategy had mixed results.

Dorman attempted only 11 passes, completing three for a meager 13 yards. Despite the Indians' emphasis to stop the run, the Cavaliers still managed 274 yards on 38 rushes. Dorman's Ash Butler did the most damage, rushing for 108 yards on 15 carries.

"He's strong," Jones said. "He just broke some tackles. They have a good scheme."

The Cavalier quarterbacks also were successful on keepers and draws. Quarterback Johnny Foster gained 37 yards on seven tries, while Sammie Kennedy had 16 yards on three rushes.

Despite Dorman's high rushing totals, Jones said the defense did its job.

"We had a bunch of kids who really played well," the defensive coordinator said. "We're going to get better. We have nine new starters. This is just the first game of the season."