Despite low seed, Indians have favorable playoff road

Gaffney coach Phil Strickland must have found a 4-leaf clover this weekend.

How else would you explain Gaffney's seemingly favorable draw in the Class AAAA Division I playoffs.

The Indians are seeded 14th but would likely be favored in all of the possible playoff matchups with the exception of the championship game scheduled for Clemson University on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Gaffney opens the playoffs Friday at No. 3-seed Summerville. The Green Wave was the higher seed in last year's matchup, but needed a last-minute touchdown pass to escape with a 1-point win.

A win Friday would advance the Indians to a matchup with either Sumter or Boiling Springs. Both teams are battling injuries heading into the playoffs.

Sumter, the No. 6 seed, has lost its top running back while Boiling Springs quarterback Dylan Thompson left in the first half and didn't return due to a shoulder injury in Friday's 42-6 loss to Byrnes.

If the seedings hold true, the Indians would play either No. 7 seed Rock Hill or second-seeded Irmo for the upper bracket championship and a berth in the state championship game.

Gaffney fans fondly remember the Indians' most recent matchup with Irmo in the 2006 state championship game.

If the Indians get that far, they would likely face either Byrnes or top-ranked Dorman in the state title game.

Needless to say, the Indians would be a large underdog against either the Cavaliers or Rebels.