Gaffney High coach Dan Jones and his players wrapped up a successful summer program on Saturday with a second place finish at Rock Hill. After a close game in pool play between the teams, it seemed appropriate that the championship of the Rock Hill Passing Tournament would come down to a single play in overtime between powers Gaffney and Northwestern.

The Indians picked up 20 yards on their play from scrimmage, leaving the door open for the Trojans who scored a TD on their play to win the championship.

The final outcome notwithstanding, Gaffney coach Dan Jones liked what he saw on Saturday.

“The kids competed well,” Jones said. “The competition was very good.”

So good, in fact, the Indians were seeded sixth. After a rough start, losing to Blythewood and Ardrey Kell high schools, the Indians hit their stride in beating Garinger and the Northwestern B Team before completing the pool play portion of the tournament with a 2-point setback to the Trojans’ A squad.

In the playoffs, the Indians avenged earlier losses to Ardrey Kell and Blythewood before facing Northwestern and its potent passing combo of quarterback Justin Worley and wideout Jonathan Joseph in the finals.

Gaffney’s own star quarterback, DeEdward Burris, performed well, especially throwing the deep ball, according to Jones.

However, Jones said Burris still must learn to dump the ball to his running backs rather than force a throw into coverage.

The team’s youthful defense had its moments on Saturday. Out of the seven starting defensive backs and linebackers, four will be rising sophomores.

“There’s going to be a growing period,” Jones said.

Saturday’s passing tournament wraps up an eventful summer program for the Indians.

“I’m pleased with the progress that we’ve made,” Jones said. “We aren’t where we want to be just yet. The kids have been working hard. I’ve always prided myself that the team gets better as the season goes along.”

Preseason practice begins on Friday, July 30.