Gaffney assistant coach Donnie Littlejohn had a huge smile Friday because of the stellar performance of his offensive line.

The line, with four new starters, had its best game of the season in the Indians’ hard fought 35-28 victory at Clover on Friday.

The line, which has struggled at times this season picking up blitzes, kept the pressure off quarterback DeEdward Burris, who had time to complete a season high 18 of his 27 passes.

“I thought they played hard,” Littlejohn said. “They are coming along and they played well tonight.”

James Costello, who was named to the Shrine Bowl on Thursday, is the lone returning starter.

“He’s like a coach on the field,” Littlejohn said.

Incredibly, the line starts two sophomores, including center Josh Mata, who began the preseason at nose tackle but was moved to the offensive line in August.

The other sophomore is tackle Clay McKowen.

“They are coming along slowly but surely,” Littlejohn said.

Senior Josh Reome and junior Brett Curtis have played steady at guard.

“I’m just proud of the whole offense,” Littlejohn said.