Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris will be among the many talented players who will be back next season. Photo byLARRY HILLIARD When asked if his coaching staff would return intact next season, Gaffney coach Phil Strickland didn’t mince words.

“I don’t anticipate any changes,” Strickland said.

Fans and the popular chat room web sites have been critical of Gaffney co-offensive coordinator Perry Woolbright and his play calling, but Strickland isn’t among his critics.

“I’m happy with the coaches,” he said.

Strickland said the coaches met Monday to discuss personnel moves for next season. The addition of a short yardage jumbo package and other potential scheme changes won’t be discussed until later this month, Strickland said.

Pending personnel and scheme changes or not, the Indians will be expected to win big next season. The high expectations are due to a roster brimming with talented underclassmen, including defensive end Jaylen Miller and wide receiver Quinshad Davis.

But Strickland said the hype will be for not if the players aren’t willing to work hard.

“They have to understand they have to work hard,” the Gaffney coach said. “A lot of times things happen in preseason projections. The main thing is they have to work hard.”

But he said he’s been encouraged by the younger players’ commitment.

“For the most part, the younger players have worked hard,” he said.

Despite the large number of returning players, there will be some holes to fill, especially at linebacker with the loss of Chris Adams and along the offensive line with the departure of Shrine Bowl left tackle James Costello and Josh Reome.

While running backs Kenard Lipscomb and Rodney Rogers won’t be back, Strickland said there are several talented backs ready to step in, including Robert Grandy and jayvee tailback C.J. Miller.

Strickland noted that the team already has begun its offseason strength and conditioning program.