Old rivals join Region III-4A

Gaffney will be staying put but there will be some new - but familiar names - in Region III-4A.

The South Carolina High School League Executive Committee has approved the region realignment plan for the 2010-'11 and 2011-'12 seasons.

Under the proposed realignment announced Monday, Spartanburg, Lancaster and Rock Hill would replace Fort Mill, Nation Ford and York in Region III-4A. Both Spartanburg and Rock Hill were members of Region II- 4A.

Gaffney High football coach and athletic director Phil Strickland said the latest realignment plan is about the best the Indians could have hoped for without returning to Region II.

"Everybody knows my feeling that I think we belong in Region II-4A. But when the cards were laid out it was obvious we were headed back toward Rock Hill. Now, at least we have Spartanburg in the region along with Clover and Northwestern."

High school league officials said one of their top priorities is to reduce travel expenses. Strickland said the latest realignments appears to do that.

"We don't have to go to Nation Ford or Fort Mill but the worst part of it is that we still have to go to Lancaster," Strickland said.

As far as overall region strength in football, new look Region III-4A appears to be an upgrade. Resurgent Spartanburg and perennial power Rock Hill replace struggling Fort Mill and Nation Ford.

"It's going to be a pretty tough region," Strickland said.

Spartanburg High officials said they will appeal the region realignment, but typically those appeals are denied.

Blacksburg High isn't affected by the latest realignment plan.

WHO'S IN AND WHO'S OUT

Region III-4A includes Gaffney, Clover, Lancaster Northwestern, Spartanburg and Rock Hill under the proposed region realignment plan