Indians expect physical tussle from Clover

"The biggest problem is that you can't simulate (Clover's Wing-T) offense in practice." - Phil Strickland 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.

"They are pretty good at it," Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said. "Hopefully, we don't chase the ball too much."

Fort Mill's Wing-T resembles an option attack, while Clover's version of the running offense features more misdirection.

"The biggest problem is that you can't simulate in practice," Strickland said.

That's because the Blue Eagles possess three quality running backs, with Tyron Douglas, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and Rickey Moore is close to the 1,000- yard mark. The other running back, Max Elliott, has rushed for 800 yards.

Aaron Miller is the quarterback. Unlike Fort Mill's Danny Till, Miller is more comfortable handing the ball to the running backs than becoming an running threat.

But the secret to the Blue Eagles' running success is an undersized offensive line that works hard to open holes.

Strickland said it's important for the Indians to play with discipline on defense and not get confused by the Blue Eagles' misdirection.

Both teams enter today's game at 6-3. But the Indians are 3-0 in the region, while the Blue Eagles are 2-1 after a 17-13 loss to Northwestern.

This was expected to be a rebuilding year for Clover, which returned only three starters. Making matters worse, the Blue Eagles suffered some key injuries early on. But Clover coach Jet Turner said the team has improved each week.

"We are healthier now and I've been very pleased with our football team," he said. "We didn't have a lot of kids coming back. We've gotten better each week and that's all that you can ask."

Both teams are averaging 31 points a game on offense. But the difference may be on defense, where the Blue Eagles are giving up an average of 21 points a game.

But Strickland said he's impressed with the Blue Eagle defense, which is anchored by defensive linemen Dominique Phillips and Akeem Ruff

"They really fly to the ball," he said.

Turner likes Gaffney's overall athleticism, especially on defense.

"They are extremely athletic," Turner said. "They run to the ball and they have as good a defensive front as we'll see. Their linebackers are fast and physical and their secondary runs well."

Turner said the Indian offense hit its stride when DeEdward Burris was tabbed as the starting quarterback.

"They have found another gear with him," Turner said.

Turner said the Blue Eagles must tackle well, limit the Indians' big plays and avoid the turnovers to have a chance to win at the Reservation. Turnovers were the difference in the Blue Eagles' lone region loss to Northwestern, which scored 10 points as a result of Clover turnovers.

Strickland is expecting a physical matchup.

"They are a hard-nosed team that will play hard every play," he said.