Gaffney linebacker Savon Dukes pressures Spartanburg quarterback Cornelius Jones on Friday. The Gaffney defense went from scapegoat to hero in a week.

After giving up nearly 600 total yards in a 60-7 loss at Byrnes, the unit held the Spartanburg Vikings to an average of less than four yards a rush and to one touchdown.

“I just told them they were accountable for their play,” Gaffney defensive coordinator Dan Jones said. “I told them they were accountable to their teammates, the coaches and the fans who came to watch them play.”

The defense heard Jones’ message loud and clear. Although Spartanburg quarterback Cornelius Jones rushed and passed for a combined 250 yards, he had to earn the yards. The Vikings’ other big-play threat, Mykelle Jones, had only nine yards rushing and 41 yards on five catches.

“Our game plan was to try to take away the outside sweep for (Cornelius Jones) and keep on eye on 25 (Mykelle Jones),” Jones said.

The Gaffney defense also forced three fumbles and an interception.

“They put us in a good position,” Jones said.

Linebacker Chris Adams and Rod Ogelsby and Jaylen Miller, a pair of bookend freshmen defensive ends, had big games for the Indians, according to Jones.

Junior Reggie Flemming also got his first start at safety on Friday. Flemming left the game late with leg cramps, but Jones said “(Flemming) stepped up big.”

“I don’t think we could have played any better,” Jones said. “(Cornelius Jones) made some plays, but we kept on playing.”