Gaffney hopes to ground 2-5 Falcons

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."

That's exactly what the Indians did last Friday in a 52-14 victory over York.

Sophomore DeEdward Burris threw three touchdown passes and passed for 186 yards as the Indians scored on five of their first six possessions to take a commanding 35-7 halftime lead.

Strickland said he's looking for more of the same today from his Indians (4-3, 1-0).

"We definitely want to get better each and every game," he said. "We played a lot better. 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."

So was the play of 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.

The Falcons began the season with a victory over Forest View, but have lost five of their last six games, including a 51-0 loss last Friday to Northwestern. Nation Ford also was shut out by Lancaster.

Falcon head coach Rusty Jester, who has won more than 200 games, including an 8-4 mark during his one season at Fort Mill, said it's taking time to get his program off the ground. Nation Ford has fielded a varsity team for only two years.

"The kids are working hard, but we've played a tough schedule and have played a lot of very good teams," he said.

The Falcons will put the ball in the hands of 6-5, 200 lb. quarterback Joey White. When the Falcons have been successful on offense, it's been through the air.

Dee Truesdale is the Falcons best receiver.

"We've thrown the ball at times fairly well," he said.

But the Falcons have struggled moving the chains on the ground.

On defense, the Falcons are led by middle linebacker Daniel Davis, defensive end Calvin Foster and nose guard Stephen Cox.

Jester said he has no complaints about his defense.

"We've played well there," he said.

Jester said he's impressed with the Indians' athleticism and size, especially along the defensive front.

"Their quarterback is very athletic," he said. "The tailback is a good football player. Defensively, the line is very good."

The Nation Ford coach said his team will have to go to the air to have success.

"They look like they've been vulnerable against the pass, but I just hope we get the time to throw it."

Strickland said the Indians must stop the Nation Ford passing game.

"They like to go to (Truesdale), so we have to keep him and their quarterback in check."

The Indians will celebrate Homecoming today. That's another worry for Strickland, who has said the players are sometime distracted by the ceremonies. But Strickland expects his team to be focused for today's matchup.

"All region games are important," he said.