Gaffney running back Rodney Rogers looks for a hole in the stingy Dorman defense on Friday. Rogers and the Indians gained just 82 yards on the ground. Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Dorman and Gaffney clashes are often hard-fought close games played between two rivals and won in the final few moments.

Friday’s Class 4A semifinal game didn’t break away from that blueprint as the teams played to a scoreless halftime tie before the Cavaliers scored 10 unanswered second-half points for a 10-0 victory, sending them to the state championship game against Byrnes on Saturday.

“It was a great game,” Dorman coach Dave Gutshall said. “It was one of those games where both defenses were unbelievable, but we were able to make a couple of plays.”

One play came out of the run-oriented Wildcat formation, a scheme the Cavaliers used so successfully in the teams’ regular-season matchup.

Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris tries to escape the rush of the Dorman defense on Friday. Burris was sacked seven times and picked off three times. Photo by LARRY HILLIARD However, this time A.J. Booker threw the ball to Johnny Foster, the Cavs’ starting quarterback who lined up in the slot. The play seemed to catch the Indians by surprise as Foster raced untouched for a 25-yard touchdown with 8:13 left in the third quarter.

Gutshall explained the Cavaliers waited until the second half to break out the Wildcat because it was do-or-die for his team.

“At that point in the game, we just had to make something happen to win the game,” he said.

As the score would indicate both defenses dominated, holding the respective offenses well below their season averages. The Indians managed just 82 yards on the ground and 147 through the air. Dorman wasn’t much better, rushing for 87 yards and throwing for 165 yards.

Gaffney offensive coordinator Perry Woolbright and the offense were blanked by the Dorman defense. “If you would have told me that we would hold Dorman to 10 points, I would have liked our chances,” Gaffney coach Phil Strickland said. “But Dorman has an excellent defense.”

The defenses were especially rough on the quarterbacks. Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris, who played despite having a fever of 103 degrees the night before, completed 9 of his 21 passes, was picked off three times and sacked seven times. Foster completed 9 of his 13 passes but was intercepted once and sacked five times.

The opening moments of the game foreshadowed the defensive struggle the game would become. Burris fumbled on the third snap from center, giving the Cavaliers good field position at the Gaffney 26. But three runs netted only four yards for the Cavaliers, who were forced to settle for a 38- yard field goal that fell short and wide.

The Indians drove to the Cavalier 31 in the second quarter, but were stopped on a fourth-and-2. The Indians marched even farther into Dorman territory just before halftime. But on a thirdand goal from the 11, Burris was sacked, setting up a difficult 38- yard field goal that missed the mark.

Dorman took the opening kickoff of the second half and marched 80 yards on nine plays. Before his touchdown reception, Booker picked up a key first down on the drive on a third-and-11 at the Cavalier 19.

The Indians’ ensuing drive was stopped by an interception at the Dorman 1. Despite the poor field position, the Cavaliers drove to the Indian 8, where Paul Inclan hit a 32-yard field goal with 11:14 to play in the game.

Never giving up, Burris and the Indians marched to the Cavaliers 9. A third down pass fell incomplete and the Indians came away empty when Josh Harris’ 25-yard field goal was blocked.

It appeared the Cavaliers would run out the clock but Denard Smith intercepted an illadvised Foster pass at the Cavaliers’ 23. But the Dorman defense refused to budge, sack- ing Burris on the a fourth-and-17.

Gaffney ends the season at 10-4.

After the game, Strickland focused on the team’s bright future.

“The kids had a great year,” he said.

“We played with a lot of young players, who really care about it. I think we’ll be pretty darn good next year.”

GAME OBSERVATIONS

lThe Gaffney offense find the going tough against the teams which will play for a state title on Saturday. Gaffney

scored only 17 points in two games against Dorman and

had just seven points against Byrnes.

lDon't think quarterback DeEdward Burris is a big part of the Indians' offense? Against Dorman, Burris gained 61 of

the team's 82 rushing yards. For the season, Burris

accounted for 3,916 of the team's 5,221 yards of total

offense.

lTalented sophomore wide receiver Quinshad Davis had just two catches for 16 yards. It appeared the lanky wideout

was open on other ocassions but didn't have the ball

come his way.

l Gaffney caught a big break when Dorman wide out Charon Peake sprained his ankle two weeks ago. Peake, junior, wasn't the factor he was in the team's regular-season

matchup.

lIronically, Gaffney placekicker Josh Harris was 6 of 7 in field goal attempts before his two misses Friday night. He

did have a 48 yard punt.