Gaffney football passes test

Gaffney football coach Phil Strickland gave his team a passing grade Saturday following competition with 15 football teams over the weekend.

Lexington, J.L. Mann and Calhoun County were among the teams Gaffney faced in a passing league held July 9-July 11 at USC-Upstate in Spartanburg. The camp was sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

"We got a lot of good work in during the passing league," Strickland said Sunday. "I felt we did well until the last day. We did ok the first game and then not so well in the second game. Our players were maybe a little tired. We played games a half day on Friday and all day on Saturday."

The passing league allowed Strickland to give extra reps for his returning offensive players like Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris and wide receiver Joe Craig. The team's defensive backs got a chance to work on their pass coverage skills against a variety of offensive schemes.

Gaffney played scrimmages against large schools like Hartsville and Blythewood as well as several private schools.

"We had good competition. We were able to see different offensive sets and work against some pass patterns we don't normally see a lot of when we practice against ourselves."

Gaffney brought along 10 offensive and defensive linemen for a lineman's camp held in connection with the passing league.

Coaches worked with linemen on their blocking and pass rushing techniques. The linemen were able to go one on one with opponents in individual drills.

The local Fellowship of Christian Athletes adult chapter provided financial support for the Gaffney football team to participate. The FCA held several evening programs to provide guidance for players during breaks from the practice field.

"We certainly appreciate the support of our FCA adult chapter," Strickland said. "Our players heard some messages from speakers which were really good for their spirit."

Gaffney has already participated in several 7-on-7 passing leagues this summer at Clemson, Coastal Carolina, and Greensboro.

The Gaffney football team will join Boiling Springs Tuesday for a one day passing league. The Indians have a similar workout planned with Laurens prior to the start of football practice in early August.

Strickland isn't concerned with keeping score in the passing leagues.

"We just want to keep improving and get a little better each day," he said.