Michaels fills the bill

This season, outside linebacker John Michaels has emerged as the Gaffney Indians' latest in a line of big-play linebacker. JOHN MICHAELS

FACT BOX

POSITION: Outside linebacker MEASUREMENTS: 5-11, 180 lbs.

WORTHY OF NOTE: Michaels has returned an interception for a touchdown and forced a fumble that was turned into a TD.

Move over J.B Shippy, Julius Wilkerson and Rocky McIntosh.

There's a new big-play Gaffney linebacker who has ridden into town - John Michaels.

Michaels displayed his momentum-changing ability against Union by returning an interception for a touchdown to put the Yellow Jackets in an early hole. The following week, Michaels jarred the ball loose from a T.L. Hanna wideout that was scooped up by a teammate, who raced into the end zone.

Big plays don't just happen. They are a result of film study, football smarts and - according to Michaels - experience.

"You get more confident the older that you get," Michaels said. "Last year (as a junior) you are just fighting for a spot. And you know you have to perform to keep your spot. This year, I knew that I would start and I have to just go out and do it."

Michaels realizes the value of forcing a turnover and, similarly, in making life easier for the Indians' offense.

"(By forcing a turnover) you are giving your offense a chance to score more points," he said.

As a freshman, Michaels scored points as a fullback on the ninth-grade team. He was moved to outside linebacker when he joined the jayvee team as a sophomore.

He was pumped about the position switch.

"I was glad it happened. I liked hitting people and it was fun. Anytime you can get playing time, it's a good thing," he said.

He got plenty of playing time last season when he was thrust into the starting lineup on the varsity, joining more seasoned senior linebackers Shippy and Eddie Jefferies.

"I was nervous the first couple of games," Michaels said. "But after a while you get into sync."

Michaels began his football career as a quarterback on a local youth football league team. He took an instant liking to the sport, in part, because of the life lessons it teaches.

"I liked the atmosphere, intensity and contact. But it also can make you a much better person in life," Michaels said. "There are a lot of times you want to give up, but you have to fight through it. When things get tough, you don't just fall down. You have to keep working toward that ultimate goal."

The immediate goal for the Indians - is to topple the nation's No. 1-ranked Byrnes Rebels, who travel to the new Reservation today.

Last year, the Rebels piled up nearly 500 yards of total offense and Byrnes' quarterback Chas Dodd threw for seven touchdowns.

Basically, as bad as it gets for the Gaffney defense. It was a frustrating game for Michaels, as well.

"It was probably my worst game," Michaels said. "They kept running a wheel route on me and I kept running the wrong way. They just caught us off guard. They moved at a fast pace and we just blew a lot of assignments. We weren't mentally ready for it."

For the Indians to beat the Rebels, Michaels is acutely aware that he and his teammates must play mistakefree football.

"We have to be on the same page and can't have blown assignments," he said. "You want to play the No. 1 team, so that puts your name up there if you beat them."

Defensive coordinator Dan Jones said Michaels will be up to the challenge.

"He's done a good job," Jones said. "He's had big hits and has forced a couple of turnovers. He has a better feel for the position. He is able to read his keys quicker. He worked hard in the offseason and had a good spring. He's played well and hopefully he'll finish up that way."