Matthew Hopper, shown signing with USC Upstate in November, will lead a young but talented Gaffney HIgh golf team this season. Gaffney placed second at the state tournament last year. While some coaches shy away from high expectations, Gaffney golf coach Todd Coggins isn't afraid to tell you that his team's goal is to win the state championship.

"I've been waiting for the season all year," he said.

Coggins excitement stems from the fact that every key member of the team is returning after a secondplace finish at last year's state tournament.

Currently, the golfers are playing a series of qualifying matches to determine the team's starters. It's a sure bet that Matthew Hopper, who has signed with USC Upstate, will be among the starters. He finished second at the state tournament last season and has embraced his role as team leader.

"The younger players look up to him," Coggins said.

Daniel Whisenant is the team's other senior. Whisenant's trademark is his steadiness, the Gaffney golf coach said.

Consistency is also a trait of junior Adam Goins.

Another junior, Phillip Rogers, has the ability to make a string a birdies.

"He can shoot a low round at anytime," Coggins said.

Eighth-grader Trey Taylor returns with a little more power this season. Sessions with the school's conditioning coach has added distance to his drives.

Two other eighth-graders with unlimited potential, Cabrick Waters and E.J. Blanton, round out the varsity roster.

Once again the Indians will face a challenging schedule, highlighted by the Georgia/South Carolina Cup on March 26-28, which brings together the top eight teams from each state; the Southern Cross, Hardaway Classic and Hartman Memorial.

Gaffney, which will host the region tournament at Cherokee National on April 29, opens the season March 9 at the Outback Invitational.