The numbers say it all.

Fort Mill has given up 339 points this season, an average of more than 40 points a game. On offense, the Yellow Jackets have scored only 114 points, or about 14 points a game.

But Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said his Indians can’t afford to take the Yellow Jackets lightly in their region matchup

today at The Reservation.

“Defensively, (Fort Mill) really isn’t that bad,” Strickland said. “They can run, but

they’ve had a little

trouble when you run right at them.”

The Indians also must avoid a slip-up if they want to achieve their goal of winning the region championship, according to Strickland.

“It’s a big plus to win the region and we don’t want to lose one now,” he said.

The Indians appear to be peaking after consecutive lopsided victories over York and Nation Ford.

Predictably, the Yellow Jackets are tracking in the other direction after a 24-0 shut out loss to York.

Fort Mill coach Ed Susi admits his team has a huge challenge today.

“It’s hard for us to interpret what they do,” Susi said. “What they do we can’t replicate their athleticism and speed with our scout team. It’s a hard task for us and it’s difficult for us to match up.”

Susi calls the Indians “the biggest team” the Yellow Jackets have faced.

Both teams are led by underclassmen. But the similarities end there. Fort Mill’s Asa Kryst, a sophomore, is a converted tailback who is learning the position. Gaffney’s DeEdward Burris, on the other hand, is one of the top playmakers in the area.

The Yellow Jackets have taken a book out of the Wofford offense. That means a lot of misdirection and few passes.

Gaffney, of course, operates out of the spread offense.

There is a similarity, though, when it comes to moving the ball. Both teams have moved the ball between the 20s, but haven’t been as proficient as the coaches would like inside the red zone.

“Inside the 20, we don’t finish,” Susi said.

The Indian offense also has left some points on the field.

A problem for the Yellow Jackets has been their inability to make the open field tackle. That could be a major problem against the athletic Burris and company.

“We have struggled to make plays,” Susi said. “We need to work on that. We need to limit their big plays and keep their offense off the field.”

Strickland also has had worries this week. In addition to preparing for the Yellow Jackets, Strickland said his job this week is to keep his team focused on football, not on the Homecoming festivities.

“We have tried to keep them focused and put the distractions behind them,” he said.

The Indians come into the game relatively healthy. Running back Rodney Rogers, who rushed for 83 yards on eight carries last week, will play after spraining his ankle.

But the Yellow Jackets will be missing a starting wide receiver, who suffered an injury against York.

GAME AT A GLANCE

GAFFNEY (6-2) vs. FORT MILL 0-8)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. at The Reservation.

Players to Watch: Fort Mill OLB Taylor Hudson, RB Maxx Simons, QB Asa Kryst. Gaffney QB DeEdward Burris, WR Joe Craig, RB Kenard Lipscomb, DL Jaylen Miller.

What the Yellow Jackets must do to win - establish a running game to avoid third-andlong passing situations and contain Gaffney qb DeEdward Burris.

What the Indians must do to win - stop the Yellow Jackets' running game and force their quarterback to the air.

Score touchdowns when they move the ball into the red zone.