Quarterback DeEdward Burris and the rest of his Gaffney High teammates will be busy this weekend, competing in the York Scrimmage Shoot Out today and the Border Showcase on Saturday. Photo by LARRY HILLIARD The Gaffney Indians will renew one of their fiercest rivalries Saturday when they meet Shelby in the headline attraction of the sixth annual “Border Showcase Football Classic.”

The event, which will feature top high school football programs from North Carolina and South Carolina, will begin at 7 p.m.at Shelby High School’s Blanton Memorial Stadium.

The schedule for the evening is as follows: 7 p.m. Polk County vs. Byrnes, 8 p.m. Crest vs. Spartanburg and at 9 p.m. Shelby vs. Gaffney.

Each of the teams will play for one half against their opponent from the “other” Carolina in a true game format.

First up, though, for the Indians is today’s York Scrimmage Shootout at the new York Comprehensive High School on Hwy. 5.

The Shootout will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a matchup between South Pointe and Clover. Gaffney and York are expected to take the field around 8:15 p.m. Each scrimmage will be four, 10-minute quarters.

Gaffney High head coach Dan Jones is the first to admit his team is still a long way from where it needs to be. So, he’ll use this weekend as an opportunity to fine tune his team heading into the Aug. 20, season opener against Boiling Springs.

In particular, Jones said he wants to take a hard look at the running game to determine how best to utilize complementary running backs C.J. Miller and

Robert Grandy without tipping off the defense.

Miller is a speed back, while Grandy is more of an inside-the-tackles grinder.

The coaching staff will continue its evaluation of the offensive line, where a newcomer and veteran have a chance to make an impression this weekend. The newcomer is Kerry Williams, a 6-1, 240 lbs. sophomore, while the vet is mammoth Tim Davis, who is making the transition from the defensive to offensive line.

Although the emphasis will likely be on the running game, the Indians won’t hesitate to go to the air.

On defense, look for the Indians to open up their playbook and blitz more. In part, to protect a young secondary that got even more inexperienced with the loss of cornerback Snoop Byers, who is out with a thigh injury. Defensive end Edward Bigby and receiver Ryan Frock also will miss this weekend’s games with injuries.

If there is a silver lining, it’s that the injuries will give other players the chance to gain experience.