Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris is looking to have another big game against Stratford when the two prep powers meet again today in the bracket semifinal. Photo by LARRY HILLIARD When asked whether Summerville and Gaffney appear destined to meet each year in the Class 4A playoffs, Greenwave head coach John McKisslck had a short, one-word response.

“Unfortunately.”

That’s because the Indians have gotten the best of the legendary coach, including a 40-10 drubbing in last year’s first-round playoff matchup. Gaffney leads the overall series, 8-6-1.

The teams face off today for the fifth time in seven years at 7:30 p.m. in a bracket semifinal.

The Greenwave (11-1) are the No. 2 overall seed, but McKissick describes this season as one with highs and lows.

“We’ve had our ups and downs,” he said. “We play pretty good sometimes and sometimes we don’t.”

Summerville is coming off a 35-22 win over Lexington last Friday. In that game, sophomore quarterback Dalton Saunders completed 10 of his 13 throws for 152 yards and two touchdowns. For the season, he’s completing 62 percent of his passes for 1,920 yards and 24 touchdowns.

But the Greenwave’s main offensive threat is De’angelo Henderson, who rushed for 228 yards against Lexington. Henderson, a junior, has rushed for 1,400 yards this season.

“He’s a pretty good running back,” McKissick said.

The Greenwave defense has been solid but was shredded for 42 points in the team’s only loss to Irmo.

Gaffney (9-3) enters the game after a dominating 31-0 win over Stratford.

“They are going to be as tough as anybody we’ve faced,” McKissick said of the Indians.

McKissick said his biggest worry is quarterback DeEdward Burris, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and has passed for 2,300 more.

“He’s hard to play,” McKissick said. “We haven’t played anybody like that.”

Burris had a big game against the Greenwave last year.

“We just couldn’t stop him,” the Summerville coach said.

But McKissick said he’s impressed with Gaffney’s other offensive weapons, including wide receivers Quinshad Davis and running back Rodney Rogers.

“They play hard. They are a typical Gaffney team. They never give up,” McKissick said.

Will McKissick use last year’s whipping to incite his team today?

“I never believed in that revenge approach,” he said. “I probably won’t even mention it.”

As for the keys to the game, McKissick said the Greenwave defense must contain Burris and his offense must avoid the costly turnover.

Gaffney coach Phil Strickland doesn’t expect a repeat of last year’s blowout.

“They are a good football team,” he said. “They are very balanced on offense and their sophomore quarterback is improving.”

Strickland said the Indians must confuse Saunders, who had a penchant for throwing the ball up for grabs earlier in the season, and contain Henderson.

GREENWAVE (11-1) VS. GAFFNEY (9-3)

 Game time

7:30 p.m. at Summerville High School

 Key Players -

Summerville QB Dalton Saunders, RB De'angelo

Henderson. Gaffney QB

DeEdward Burris, DE

Jaylen Miller