It takes a leader to win state titles.

In most cases, there was a time those doing the most talking on the sidelines or in the huddle didn't chatter much at all.

For Gaffney linebacker Chris Adams, it's been a long time coming.

Waiting year after year hoping to lead the Indians defense, Adams is getting his chance in 2009, his final year suiting up in the Gaffney black & gold.

"It was difficult having to sit back and watch others play," Adams said. "But I knew my time would come if I stayed with it and continued to work hard."

Always trying his best to be a student of the game, Adams said he tried to watch how former Gaffney greats J.B. Shippy and Jarvis Littlejohn played the linebacker position.

"Those two played from sideline to sideline, their motors ran non-stop while on the field," Adams said. "They played hard, and that's how I want to be remembered. As someone who gave his best from whistle to whistle."

Littlejohn returned this season following a stellar career at Division II powerhouse Tusculum (Tenn.).

Adams said being able to speak on a daily basis with Littlejohn, who is one of the reasons he plays linebacker, has been invaluable. Adams said Littlejohn is quick to give pointers on how to best improve his game.

"(Littlejohn) will always tell me to 'flip my hips' or 'look for the run first,'" Adams said. "When someone has been as successful as he has, you have no choice but to listen."

However, Adams knows teams are only remembered if they have won state titles. Each of the players the senior linebacker looks up to have helped the Indians "bring home the bling."

Though he's knows he can't be Shippy or Littlejohn, he is trying to join their elite fraternity.

"J.B. Shippy; Jarvis Littlejohn; Chris Adams," Adams said. "That is my goal; to be mentioned in the same breath as those guys.

"Each of them have won state titles and above all are considered to be two of the best linebackers in school history. Hopefully, when I'm done I will be mentioned with them as well."

First things first, however, as Adams does his best to be one of the anchors on a young Gaffney defense.

"We know we're young, but a lot of talent is there," Adams said. "The best thing I try to do is motivate the guys. I remind them if they keep with it that it will be hard for teams to score on us. We want to keep getting better, because if we do, our team will have a good chance at winning."

With such stars as De'Edward Burris, Joe Craig and Kenard Lipscomb on the offensive side of the ball, it's easy for Adams and his cohorts on defense to be overlooked.

The senior believes it's all a part of the game.

"We just tell them to do their job and we'll do ours," Adams said. "After all, we win as a team and lose as one as well.

"The goal is to finish this season on top, hopefully we can do that."