Gaffney clobbers Jackets

Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Gaffney running back Jeremiah Cochrian finds running room against a porous Union defense on Friday. Cochran had 76 yards on the night. Call it demolition derby, Gaffney Indian style.

The Indian offense finally came to life, pounding Union for 440 yards and six touchdowns - all on the ground - in a 49-13 rout at Union County Stadium Friday. The Indians' other touchdown came on a 17-yard interception return by linebacker John Michaels.

The margin could have been worse but the Indians played their reserves throughout the second half.

"We came out and executed," Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said. "We had a lot of penalties early, but we just got clicking. The interception and fumble gave us good field position."

The Indian running game put up big numbers. Quarterback Bo Davidson led the way with 83 yards on six carries, including a 57-yard TD run. Jeremiah Cochran gained 76 yards and Kenard Lipscomb had 71 yards on only nine carries.

Joe Craig rushed for 65 yards on eight carries.

Davidson was solid through the air, as well, completing all eight of his passes for 79 yards and no interceptions.

Last week, Davidson split time at quarterback with DeEdward Burris. But Davidson took the vast majority of the snaps this week because Burris was out with a hand injury.

"I feel more comfortable every week," Davidson said.

It's evident, Strickland said.

"Bo is a talented kid," the Gaffney coach said. "He's learning how to read defenses."

The Indians' didn't have any problems reading Union quarterback Keiston Stevens, who completed only 4 of his 13 passes for 21 yards. He was picked off twice.

Union running back Lamont Edney did gain 152 yards, but most of the yards came against the Indian reserves.

After its defense forced a three and out on Union's first possession, Gaffney took control of the game with a methodical 17 play, 65-yard drive. Cochran scored from three yards out to cap the drive. Davidson was sharp early, converting three third downs with two passes to Emison Hughes and the other to Josh Woods.

After Michaels' interception and score, the Indians capitalized on another scoring opportunity on a botched Union punt. Two plays later, Lipscomb scored from the 7 and the rout was on with the Indians leading 21-0 with :15 left in the first quarter.

Davidson, Cochran and Craig scored on relatively long runs in the second quarter to increase the Indians' advantage to 42-0 at the half.

Craig provided the Indians' final TD with a 10-yard run in the third quarter.

Union avoided the shutout when Edney scored on a 47-yard run midway through the fourth quarter.

Next on the Indians menu will be T.L. Hanna.