Deja vu for Gaffney's Long

Photo courtesy of Brian Linder/T&D Former Gaffney High quarterback Malcolm Long will lead South Carolina State to its first playoff berth in 26 years Saturday against 3-time defending champion Appalachian State. In some ways, it's like 2005 all over again for Malcolm Long.

The South Carolina State quarterback is once again completing more than 60 percent of his passes, making game-winning plays and leading his team into the playoffs.

This seems so familiar.

In 2005, Long was tabbed as the starter at quarterback and guided the Gaffney Indians to the Class AAAA Division I state championship.

Now as a redshirt freshman, he'll lead South Carolina State against three-time Football Championship Subdivision national champion Appalachian State in the opening round of the playoffs on Saturday.

"It's been a real good year for me," Long said. "In my first year starting to lead the team to a Mideastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) championship and playoffs. It takes me back to high school. (South Carolina State) coach Buddy Pough said if we play through Thanksgiving it would be pretty special."

There is one thing that's different for Long. Gaffney is a perennial prep power, while South Carolina State hasn't qualified for postseason play in 26 years.

That is until Long came along with a rifle arm, poise under pressure, uncanny decision-making ability and most importantly, a winning attitude.

"In Gaffney, we were winners and I took that mentality here," Long said. "I told the guys that I'm not used to losing."

Long already is etching his name in the South Carolina State record books. He has established a single-season school record for completions and is ahead of predecessor Cleveland McCoy for completion percentage.

"The offense down here is real similar to the one I ran at Gaffney and that has helped me," Long said. "I adapted real well. There are certain calls and certain defenses where I have to put the team in the right situation."

Saturday's playoff game will give Long a chance to renew his friendship with his center at Gaffney High, Brett Irvin.

"I talked to Brett on Sunday when I heard we'd play them," Long said. "It will be different now. I told him that he's (Appalachian State quarterback) Armanti Edwards' center now. I guess that bond we've had is gone."

Long realizes playing against Appalachian State will be a challenge.

"We were kinda shocked that we would have to play them now," he said. "We'd thought we play them later. But we need a good week of practice and we have to be focused so come Saturday we can have a good showing."

Playing against Appalachian State's high-powered offense, Long knows he must be at his best Saturday.

"We have to have manageable second and third downs," he said. "We have to stay ahead of the chains."

Long also said he has confidence his defense can slow down the Mountaineers.

"We have a game plan," he said. "Our defense has played well. They've had three straight shutouts."

Drawing on the lessons learned as quarterback of the Indians, Long said he won't feel the nerves playing in his first playoff game.

"It's just another game for me," he said. "It helps playing in big games at Gaffney. But at the same time it's at a different level. We not only wanted to win the MEAC, but we wanted to make some noise in the playoffs."