No more second chances.

That's how Gaffney boys track coach James Davis describes the state qualifier this Saturday at Blythewood High School.

In the track events, the winners of each of the five heats and the next three fastest times advance to the state championships next week.

That means a slip up could cost a runner a chance at a state title.

Gaffney's Joe Craig and Denzelle Good are among the favorites to capture a state title. Craig will is slated to run in lane four in the third heat of the 100 meters. He'll run in the third heat in the 200 meters.

Davis said Craig got a favorable lane assignment in the 100 meters.

"It's a fast lane and you can see runners on both sides of you," he said.

Craig isn't merely looking to win his heat and advance to the state tournament, but he wants to make a statement at the qualifier, according to Davis.

"We've talked this week and he wants everybody to know that he is that guy," the Gaffney coach said.

Craig also will join Dennis Dawkins, DeEdward Burris and Jordan Manning in the 4x100 meter relay.

During practice this week, Good has posted a throw of 160 feet in the discuss and 55 feet in the shot put - both good enough to win state titles.

"But he has to do that on Saturday," Davis said.

Austin Steagall is the team's top hope in the distance events. He'll compete in the 1 and 2 mile events. But Davis said Steagall will have to be at his best because of a strong field of distance runners.

But Davis adds, "running is Austin's life. It's what he loves to do."

In addition to the 4x100 relay, Manning will compete in the high jump, 110 and 400 meter hurdle events. Davis said Manning's best shot to qualify for the state meet is likely in the 110 hurdles.

"Regardless of how they finish, I'm proud of them," Davis said. In the girls' competition at the state qualifier, Gaffney's Leah Fair and Tiarra Morris will compete in the 100 meters.