Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris, shown under pressure from a Northwestern defender, will lead his teammates against Dorman today with a trip to the state title game on the line. Photo by LARRY HILLIARD You know that cliche about injuries being a part of the game? Heading into today’s semifinal clash with Gaffney, Dorman head coach Dave Gutshall has learned over the past few weeks just how big a part they can be.

The Cavaliers (12-1) have lost a couple of safeties to injuries but the biggest blow is on offense, where Charon Peake, one of the top wide receivers in the state, hasn’t been his explosive self since severely spraining his ankle in a firstround playoff win over Clover.

But Gutshall, using that old cliche, isn’t complaining.

“It’s just like any other football team. Injuries are part of the game,” he said.

But even Gaffney coach Phil Strickland admits an injured Peake may not be the threat he normally is.

Gaffney defensive assistant coach Kevin Phillips will have his hands full against the explosive Cavaliers today. “He could run a 4.4 (in the 40) and we don’t have anybody who could catch him. Now, he runs more of a 4.8 and we have people who can catch him,” Strickland said.

Peake was a big factor in Dorman’s 42- 17 victory in the season opener. The versatile wide receiver caught six passes for 117 yards, including a 24-yard TD grab that capped the Cavaliers’ scoring. He also ran the ball six times for 59 yards.

But Peake wasn’t the only Cavalier to have a big game in the earlier meeting. Strickland said the Indians must do a better job against the Cavaliers’ Wildcat formation and A.J. Booker, who scored on four short rushing touchdowns.

“We have to stop the Wildcat. That really hurt us,” Strickland said.

And Strickland has confidence the Indians can.

“We were still feeling our way in the first game,” he said. “We have more experience now and have a little more confidence.”

Gutshall also expects a much more competitive game.

“We are both different teams now,” he said. “Gaffney is quarterback-oriented now. (DeEdward Burris) is their running game. He gives them a run threat.”

Gutshall said the wide receivers have improved and are better at finding the open spaces.

“Gaffney is going to move the ball,” he said.

That’s a big admission considering the defense is likely the strength of the Cavaliers. The defense is giving up just 10 points and 185 yards of total offense a game.

“We are pretty good on defense,” Gutshall said.

The defense is anchored by ends Carson Cortez and Shrine Bowler Drew Bailey.

Gaffney’s defense, on the other hand, has given up yards and points but has made the big play at crucial times. In their 35-28 win over Summerville this past Friday, the defense gave up nearly 600 yards but forced four key interceptions, including Daquan Barnes’ game-clinching pick with :30 remaining.

Despite the explosive Peake and other talented wideouts, the Cavaliers are a run-oriented team. So, the Indians must stop the run and force Dorman quarterback Johnny Foster to throw. Foster is completing 58 percent of his throws, but he’s been picked off nine times.

“Our running game has been hot and cold,” Gutshall said. “When we’ve been able to rush it, we’ve been okay.”

Gutshall and the Cavaliers are downplaying the first matchup, but Strickland is using it as motivation. It’s a chance for the players to redeem themselves from one of the season’s low marks, according to the coach.

“Our kids haven’t forgotten that game,” Strickland said. “We felt like they laid down late in the game. We didn’t play like we needed to. I’ve said we are a lot better team when we play with emotion.”

Speaking of injuries, Gaffney freshman defensive end Jaylen Miller is expected to be at 100 percent after hurting his knee against Summerville.

“He’s ready,” Strickland said.

Today’s winner will meet the Byrnes-Spartanburg survivor for the Class A Division I state championship next Saturday at

noon at Williams-Brice.

GAME BREAKDOWN

Records
Dorman 12-1 Gaffney 10-3
Scoring
Dorman 32.6 Gaffney 31.8
Rushing Yds. Per Game
Dorman 181.3 Gaffney 172.9
Passing Yds. Per Game
Dorman 165.8 Gaffney 212
Total Offense Per Game
Dorman 347.2 Gaffney 384.9
Defense Pts. Allowed Per Game
Dorman 10.8 Gaffney 21.8
Defense Rushing Yds. Allowed Per Game
Dorman 106.7 Gaffney 140.7
Defense Passing Yds. Allowed Per Game
Dorman 79.2 Gaffney 195.4
Defense Total Offense Allowed Per Game
Dorman 185.9 Gaffney 336.1