Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Backup quarterback Joey Copeland came off the bench to score two touchdowns in Gaffney's win over York Friday. The Indians will travel to Nation Ford on Friday. Gaffney coach Phil Strickland rattled off the list of mistakes his team made after each of his team’s first six games this season.

This week, that list got considerably shorter.

“We played a lot better obviously against a lesser opponent,” said Strickland after reviewing the game film. “The kids executed.”

That was especially true in the passing game that gained nearly 300 yards in the 55-7 victory over York this past Friday. Quarterback DeEdward Burris was sharp, completing 10 of his 18 throws for 288 yards and three touchdowns. Tim Ellis, Mike Wood and Joe Craig, who received the player of the week award, each totaled more than 70 receiving yards. Wideout Khris Brown also made a contribution with a 63-yard touchdown reception.

“The passing game was more focused downfield,” the Gaffney coach said. “The receivers were running their routes and the effort, by everybody, was a whole lot better.”

Strickland also praised Burris for staying in the pocket long enough to allow his receivers to come open. In previous games, Strickland explained that Burris would leave the pocket and run downfield without giving the wideouts a chance to get open.

“Burris would take his eyes off the receiver after two seconds and they would come open in three seconds,” he said. “We’ve been working on that a lot.”

The defense also did its part by containing York’s option attack. In particular, Gaffney’s freshmen defensive ends Jaylen Miller and Rod Ogelsby have made strides, according to Strickland.

“We knew the talent was there,” he said. “Now they are learning how to read hats and they aren’t fooled by decoy blocks.”

But Strickland said the players can’t be satisfied after one good performance.

“We are trying to get better each week,” he said. “We have to keep working hard so the right thing to do becomes natural for us.”

Strickland said it was important to clear the bench in the second half.

“It’s good for morale,” he said. “A lot of the players get beat up in practice during the week and it’s good to give them a chance to play.”