Indians know it's time to shine

Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said he's counting on the Indians to step it up in the playoffs like they have done in the past. The Gaffney Indians haven't exactly been a well-oiled machine in 2008. But they might only need to be lightly lubricated to advance in their Class AAAA Division I bracket.

"I feel like we got a good bracket," Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said.

The Indians (6-5) got the 14th seed instead of the 13th and avoided a date with Byrnes because Stratford beat Wando. That win bumped the Knights ahead of the Indians.

Rather than opening the playoffs against the Rebels, the Indians will face Summerville Friday.

The Green Wave finished the regular season at 9-2 but struggled to beat winless Colleton County, 19-14, last Friday.

The Green Wave also was the higher seed in last year's matchup, but needed a lastminute 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.

Strickland said the Indians should enjoy a long playoff run if history is any indication.

"The players traditionally step it up in the playoffs and that's what I heard when I got here," he said. "We are capable of beating anybody," he said. "A play here or a play there kept us from having a good record."

"Right now, it's anybody's ball game," he added. "You can throw the regular season record out. We are all 0-0."

Strickland said the Indians know what's in store for them against Summerville.

"The good thing is most of the players are familiar with where we are going," he said. "A lot of the players were part of last year's team."

Strickland said the key to playoff success is to make plays.

"If we do the right things, we can play with anybody," he said. "We didn't make plays against Northwestern and that cost us last week."

Several Indians suffered injuries against Northwestern, but cornerback Stephon Adams (ribs), center Tommy Strickland (strained knee) and defensive lineman Stan Easterling (knee) all are probable for Summerville.