Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said his defenders can’t think they saw something that wasn’t actually there.

No, he’s not talking about ghosts or ghouls. He’s talking about something that has been scaring Region III-4A defenses. Clover’s double-wing offense is one of the most frightening and confusing offenses in the area.

On any play, Clover quarterback Aaron Miller could hand the ball to a variety of backs or keep it himself. The whole idea is to trick the defense to commit to pursuing one player while the football is with somewhere else.

“It’s probably the best tandem of backs we’ll see this year,” Strickland said.

The stats back him up.

Tyron Douglas has rushed for 962 yards on 112 carries, an average of 8.6 per rush, while Derick Carruthers has 503 yads on 78 attempts and six touchdowns and Max Elliott, who was named to the Shrine Bowl, has rushed for 807 ayds on 84 attempts and 12 touchdowns.

You can’t forget about Miller, either, He’s rushed for 327 yards on 68 attempts. He’s completing nearly 60 percent of his passes for 608 yards and nine touchdowns.

Gaffney (7-2, 3-0) travels to Clover (7-2, 2-1) for a key region showdown today at 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Eagles’ two losses were to rivals Northwestern and Rock Hill. They led the Trojans by two touchdowns before an onside kick changed the momentum of the game.

“They are a very good football team,” Strickland said.

The Indians defense saw something akin to the Blue Eagles’ offense the last two weeks in games with Fort Mill and Nation Ford. But Strickland said the Blue Eagles are much more proficient and talented.

“We have to play assignment football and stay at home,” he said. “Their backs will turn and twist to get every yard they can. We are going to have to keep our pads down.”

But the Indians must be wary of the Blue Eagles’ passing game, too. Clover passed for 170 yards against the Indians last season.

The Blue Eagles’ defense is athletic and aggressive. The unit is led by linebacker Amos (Trey) Latta, a Shrine Bowl pick.

Clover coach Jet Turner said his defense is improving but has been vulnerable to the big play.

In last year’s game, the Indians turned the ball over five times in the first half. They can’t happen this year.

The Indians do want to jump on top early to force the Blue Eagles’ into playing catchup, which means throwing the ball.

Both coaches know the importance of the game. A win and the region championship is still within reach.

“It’s a big game with playoff implications,” Turner said.

GAME AT A GLANCE

GAFFNEY (7-2) vs. CLOVER (7-2)

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. at Clover High

School.

Players to Watch: Clover: QB Aaron Miller, RB Tyron Douglas, RB Max Elliott, LB Trey Latta. Gaffney QB DeEdward Burris, WR Joe Craig, RB Kenard Lipscomb, DL Jaylen Miller.

What the Blue Eagles 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 Blue Eagles running game and force their quarterback to the air.

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