Indians likely to hit road for playoffs

Phil Strickland Gaffney coach Phil Strickland has one word to describe his team's chances of capturing the region title or hosting a first-round playoff game -- slim.

To capture their first Region III title, the 6-4 Indians must beat region-leading Northwestern (9-1, 4-0) and York (4-6, 2-2) must defeat Clover (7-3, 3-1).

That's not a likely scenario.

As far as the playoffs go, the Indians will finish with either 33, 34 or 35 points pending Friday night's results.

A Union win over Woodmont on Friday would give the 5-5 Yellow Jackets a winning record and give the Indians a much-needed 1/2 point. Gaffney also is in the unusual position of rooting for rival Spartanburg to beat No. 1 ranked Dorman this Friday to secure another 1/2 point.

"Having 35 points would give us a better seeding but it would be a long shot to have a home game," Strickland said. "But after losing four games, we are lucky to even have 33 points."

Besides securing a higher playoff seed, Strickland said the Indians need to beat Northwestern on Friday for another important reason.

"Obviously, we need to play well this week for momentum," he said. "I was proud of the way we came back (in Friday's loss to Clover) but we need momentum now."

Strickland said he liked his team's offensive execution but was displeased with the five fumbles, which Clover turned into 28 firsthalf points.

Gaffney had 162 yards rushing and 231 more through the air. Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris was responsible for most of the yards, rushing for 121 yards and throwing for 231.

"He's still a sophomore and he's going to make mistakes, but he grew up a lot (in the game against Clover)," the Gaffney coach said.

Despite the 6-4 record Strickland said the Indians are close to becoming a championship-caliber football team.

"We've had a lot of hard luck this year, but we have the capabilities of doing good things."

Strickland hopes those good things begin Friday against Northwestern.