Gaffney American Legion Post 109 Head Coach Zach Clary gets drenched with the water cooler by players after beating Greer Wednesday to clinch the League VI championship. Photo courtesy of Steve Byars Manager Zach Clary is all too familiar with the high playoff expectations for his Post 109 team.

After all, he helped to create them as a player. Clary was part of the 2005 team that began a string of state playoff appearances for Post 109.

“Ever since that, it’s been our goal,” Clary said.

This year’s Post 109 team opens the playoffs today against Richland. The best-of-five opening round continues tomorrow at Dreher High School in Columbia before the venue shifts back to Commissioners Field on Wednesday. Game four, if necessary, will be back at Dreher High School, while Game 5 will be at Commissioners Field.

The winner will play the survivor of the Easley/Clover opening round series.

Post 109 (12-4) secured a top seed by beating Greer twice to end the regular season. Richland (8-6) enters the playoffs as a No. 3 seed.

Clary said Richland is known for its offense.

“They can hit the ball.”

After an 0-2 start to begin league play, Post 109 has won 12 of 14 games. Clary traces the success to his team’s hot bats.

“The defense and pitching has been there, but we’ve begun to hit the ball,” he said. “I think we are averaging 15 hits a game.”

More importantly, the hits have come throughout the lineup.

“It has been everybody,” Clary said.

Post 109 advanced to another state tournament last year, but went home after just three games. Chesnee, Gaffney, Blacksburg and Broome high schools - which players make up the Post 109 roster - all made the postseason this year. Chesnee, of course, won the Class 2A state title.

“They are used to success in the playoffs,” Clary said.

Clary said he’s still uncertain on his game one starter. It’s expected to be either Ryan Westbrook or Bobby Jackson.