Striking a balance

Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Gaffney running back Kenard Lipscomb breaks free on his way to a 78-yard, second-quarter touchdown run Friday against York. Lipscomb finished with 88 yards on six carries. When its offense got rolling in past seasons, Gaffney was equally effective moving the ball on the ground and through the air.

That finally happened on Friday.

"That's what we had before," Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said. "We had a running and passing game, so teams couldn't sit on one facet of the game."

Sophomore DeEdward Burris threw three touchdown passes and passed for 186 yards and the Indians rushed for a season-high 305 yards in a 52-14 region-opening victory at York.

"We played a lot better," Strickland said. "We got a little better protection in the passing game and we found some people a little better. We definitely aren't there yet. But I saw some good things. York is struggling and we can't think we have it all solved. But what I liked about it is that we made a whole lot less mistakes and that is encouraging."

Strickland said he liked what he saw from Burris, who saw his most extensive action of the season after missing four games with a hand injury.

"Naturally as a sophomore he's going to make mistakes," Strickland said. "But he improvised a little bit and made some plays. He was able to make plays with his hand and his feet."

Burris also rushed for 81 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown run.

Strickland said Burris' grasp of the no-huddle offense will improve with more reps.

"He's getting there, but he's still a little limited," Strickland said.

The Gaffney coach also praised Bo Davidson, who started the season at quarterback but has moved to wide receiver. He had two catches for 92 yards against York.

"Bo is a team player," Strickland said. "He came to us and told us he was willing to do anything to help the team win. He cares more about the team than he does himself."

Strickland said Davidson will be integrated even more into the team's passing attack.

"He's a contributor," he said.

The Indians' offensive line also played one of its best games of the season, according to Strickland.