Gaffney High coaches and football players took to the practice field today for the start of preseason practice. Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Gaffney High football coach Dan Jones was an easy man to find on Thursday - he was the one working up a sweat on the team’s practice field.

However, today it was the players’ turn to be drenched in sweat as preseason practice began for teams throughout the state.

Gaffney coaches and players hit the field at 8 a.m. and wrapped up the session arond 10. After an hour break, they were back at it, working on the kicking game for about 60 minutes.

Jones said the team will follow today’s schedule until they put on full pads on Wedensday. At that time, practice may be moved up to 6 a.m. to avoid the expected hot temperatures if the players can find transportation to the school that early in the morning.

As for major changes in practice routines, defensive or offensive schemes or game preparation in the transition from ex-coach Phil Strickland to Jones, don’t look for many.

“I don’t see a lot of changes,” Jones said. “After all, Phil won three state championships. I’m not going to try to reinvent the wheel.”

But he may tweak the offense. He said he wants more designed runs for quarterback DeEdward Burris. Jones also thinks the offense could be more productive in short yardage situations if Burris was under center more rather than operating from the shotgun. But that will be evaluated more during the preseason.

As for concerns heading into the preseason, Jones said he’s worried about the youth in the secondary. The coaching staff also must find a replacement for starting center Josh Mata, who has decided to concentrate on baseball. Jones said Kerry Williams and Ivan Shippy are the early leaders to replace Mata.

Jones is also hoping that either Robert Grandy or C.J. Miller emerge as a potent threat at tailback.

The Indians open the season a week earlier this year on Friday, Aug. 20. That means every practice and scrimmage takes on added importance.

A week after opening practice, the Indians will host their first scrimmage against Greer on Friday, Aug. 6.

Typically, the Indians follow up their opening scrimmage with Greer by traveling to Presbyterian College to scrimmage Greenwood.

However, that won't happen this year since the Eagles and Indians will play during the regular season. Instead, Gaffney will scrimmage at Laurens on Tuesday, Aug. 10.

Jamborees then take center stage as the Indians travel to York High School for the York Shootout on Friday, Aug. 13, and, a day later, participate in the annual Border Showcase. This year, Shelby will host the showcase. But the opponent, Crest High, will remain the same.