Gaffney's Joey Copeland threw ball well at passing league on Wednesday. For decades, a never-saylose spirit has been the hallmark of the Gaffney High football team.

The 2009 edition apparently will be no exception.

The Indians displayed that competitive spirit at its passing league matchups in the Triad area of North Carolina on Wednesday.

The Indians battled North Guilford High School in the morning and played two more teams in the afternoon.

"We did well," Gaffney High football coach Phil Strickland said. "We got a lot of good work. We are competing a lot better."

Strickland said defensively the players are adjusting to some new coverages installed during spring practice.

"The kids are really picking it up now," he said. "We are doing some different things."

On offense, Strickland said quarterbacks DeEdward Burris and Joey Copeland threw well, but he cautioned they are still a work in progress.

"Both of them looked good, but they are still inexperienced," he said. "They have to learn to read the defensive backs. They also have a tendency to stare at the wide receivers."

Speaking of wide receivers, Strickland said the new crop of wideouts have shown sure hands.

"They are catching the ball and not dropping many," he said.

Overall, Strickland said he's pleased with his team's progress this summer.

"The kids are definitely getting better," the Gaffney coach said.

Next up for the Indians is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp on July 11.