Crosstown rivals get personal with title on line

This one is personal.

The 6-0 Granard Warriors meet crosstown rival Gaffney Middle School (5-1) for the Little 6 Conference title today at 5:30 p.m. at venerable Brumbach Stadium.

Granard won a 30-28 squeaker over Gaffney in the regular-season matchup and the teams look just as evenly matched this time around.

"This is going to be a real good game," Granard defensive back assistant coach Bobby Rodgers said. "The kids are excited to play. It means a lot. It's for bragging rights and something the players can talk about for the next 30 years."

The Warriors feature a potent ground attack with tailbacks Jaylen Miller, who scored two touchdowns in the first matchup, and Rod Ogelsby.

Kellon Stanley directs the offense at quarterback.

The Chiefs operate out of the spread with Bryce Spurlin at quarterback and Brandon Bevis at receiver. But Gaffney is also a threat on the ground with Shaquille Davidson and Quan Weeks at tailback.

Gaffney Middle head coach Brad Phillips said the key to the game is simple.

"We have to stop their running attack," he said.

Both teams, as expected, boast strong defenses.

Linebacker Justin Thompson, lineman Malcolm Miller and safety Thomas Hardy anchor the Chiefs' defense.

Darrien Ross, Jason Sager and Coby McDowell spearhead the Warrior defense.

If history means anything, the Warriors may be celebrating after this one. The Chiefs won the championship in 2005 and 2007, while the Warriors picked up the trophy in 2006.

Admission is $3.

LITTLE SIX CONFERENCE TITLE

Granard plays Gaffney

Middle at 5:30 p.m. at

Brumbach Stadium for the

conference championship.

Granard won the regularseason

matchup, 30-28.

Admission is $3.