The last line of defense
STEPHON ADAMS FACT BOX
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com
      POSITION: Defensive back MEASUREMENTS: 5-10, 160lbs. WORTHY OF NOTE: Adams shut down T.L. Hanna wideout Quinton Payton, who has commmited to North Carolina State. Here's a pop quiz: "What's the best pass D?" Before you mull that over too long, here's the answer: "A pass rush!
More ...

Indians expect physical tussle from Clover
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com
      Gaffney's opponent last week, Fort Mill, and today's foe Clover both feature the Wing-T offense. But the similarities end there. The Yellow Jackets run the Wing-T, but Clover, the defending Class 4A Division II state champions, has perfected the offense.
More ...

Wildcats still have a chance for playoffs with win today
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com
      Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss isn't kidding when he says the 1-8 Wildcats have a chance to make the playoffs. Although the Wildcats need some help to qualify for the playoffs under the point system, that help will be immaterial if the Wildcats don't beat 1-8 Southside Christian today.
More ...

LEDGER FOOTBALL EXPERTS
     
More ...

Granard captures crown
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com
      Perfection. That described the Granard Warriors' season after capping off an undefeated season with a 20-16 victory over Gaffney Middle in the Little Six Conference championship game on Wednesday. Jaylen Miller, who was moved from fullback to tailback earlier in the season, was the offensive star for the Warriors with 220 rushing yards.
More ...

Three Indians selected to prestigious all-star games
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com
      Denzell Good's dominating play this season has earned him a coveted selection to the Shrine Bowl. Good , at 6-4, 321 lbs., has anchored the Indians' young but improving offensive line. He has 29 pancake blocks and more than 40 knockdown blocks this season.
More ...

Friendly rivals
Edwards-Johnson relationship built on sportsmanship
By RICK MINTER Cox News Service
      Hampton, Ga. If there's an upside to a dreary rainy day at the race track, it's that the quality of the driver interviews seems to be greatly enhanced. With no cars running and no racing to worry about, drivers tend to be more forthcoming and thoughtful in their answers.
More ...

SPRINT CUP STANDINGS
      1. Jimmie Johnson 6,248; leader 2. Carl Edwards 6,065; behind: -183 3. Greg Biffle 6,063; behind: -185 4. Jeff Burton 6,030; behind: -218 5. Kevin Harvick 5,941; behind: -307 6. Jeff Gordon 5,936; behind: -312 7.
More ...

Newman a quick learner in Truck Series
      Wherever he has raced, it hasn't taken Ryan Newman long to become a winner. On Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Newman added that circuit to the list of those in which he has won a race. In his first start in the Craftsman Truck Series, Newman drove past Kevin Harvick Inc. teammate Ron Hornaday on the last lap to win the E-Z-GO 200.
More ...

NUMERICALLY SPEAKING
      590 All-time victories in Sprint Cup racing for Ford Motor Co. 8 Drivers behind Mark Martin in the points standings who have run at least eight more races than he has (Michael Waltrip, Reed Sorenson, Dave Blaney, Robby Gordon, Scott Riggs, Regan Smith, Sam Hornish Jr. and Joe Nemechek).
More ...

Rick Minter's OBSERVATIONS
Key story lines as NASCAR heads to Texas.
      Another rainout prompts debate Friday's rainout of Sprint Cup qualifying at Atlanta Motor Speedway was the third consecutive week of washout — and the 10th this season — and it renewed the debate over whether NASCAR should amend its procedures when rains affect time trials.
More ...