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Virginia native and Chase contender Jeff Burton anticipates coming back to race at Martinsville
By RICK MINTER Cox News Service
      Martinsville Speedway is a laid-back little race track, but it can make a big difference in a pressure-packed Chase for the Sprint Cup. Just ask Jeff Burton. In 2006, he came to Martinsville having led the Chase standings since Dover. But his engine blew, and he left fifth in the standings.
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Edwards, Harvick make news off track
By RICK MINTER Cox News Service
      Carl Edwards stayed in the news all last week, but for all the wrong reasons. First, his mistake near the end of the Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway was rehashed over and over.
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NUMERICALLY SPEAKING
      8,919 Total laps run this season in Sprint Cup by David Ragan and Bobby Labonte, tops among all drivers. 7,061 Laps run in the top 15 this year by Jimmie Johnson, the most among Cup drivers. 1,671 Laps led by Kyle Busch, tops among Cup drivers.
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Rick Minter's OBSERVATIONS
Key story lines as NASCAR heads to Martinsville.
      Big winner won't claim title As has been the case many times in the past, a racing circuit's dominant driver won't be the champion. That's true in the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series this year. Kyle Busch's Nationwide victory at Lowe's Motor Speedway last Friday was his ninth in the series.
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Experience isn't everything
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com
      THEY say that experience is the most valuable commodity on the football field. But what do THEY know. Blacksburg High punter Josh Batton is proving that experience isn't everything. Batton never played organized football before this season, but the junior has become one of the team's most valuable players - to the surprise of Blacksburg head coach Mickey Moss.
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Gaffney hopes to ground 2-5 Falcons
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com
      Gaffney coach Phil Strickland is taking nothing for granted. Despite Nation Ford's 2-5 record, Strickland insists the Falcons will be no pushovers today at the Reservation. "They play extremely hard," he said. "They've had a tough schedule. They play very few seniors and have gotten better and better every game. We have to jump out early and play well.
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Whitmire poses formidable test for struggling Blacksburg
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com
      Blackburg coach Mickey Moss uttered an ominous assessment of the Whitmire Wolverines. "They are probably as good as Christ Church," Moss said. "I think they will challenge Christ Church." If that's the case, the Wildcats might be in for another long night since Christ Church beat Blacksburg 41-22 last Friday.
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LEDGER FOOTBALL EXPERTS
     
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Photo
     IN THE GRASP - Gaffney outside linebacker John Michaels tackles York's Nick Feemster during second-quarter action last Friday. Michaels and the Indians host Nation Ford today at 7:30 p.m.
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BRIEFS
      The Limestone College men's golf team finished 15th at the Queens Invitational on Tuesday after posting a two-round score of 622 (308-314). The tournament was played at the par- 72, 7,089-yard Pinecrest Golf Club. Luke McClellan led the Saints with a final score of 151 (74-77) to tie for 25th place.
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Rogers leads Gaffney to 26-14 victory
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com
      The Gaffney junior varsity football team made the most of their opportunities on Thursday. The Indians scored on two of their three first-half possessions en route to a 26-14 victory over the Nation Ford Falcons. Running back Rodney Rogers was the offensive star of the game with three touchdowns, including an 80-yarder.
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