Quarterback DeEdward Burris finds some open space to run during Saturday's Border Showcase against host Shelby. The Indians held off the Golden Lions, 16-15. Photo by LARRY HILLIARD The deluge wasn’t the only thing that dampened the enthusiasm of the Gaffney Indians after their 16- 15 win over host Shelby at the Border Showcase Saturday.

The Indians also learned they would be without starting inside linebacker Quan Weeks who broke his wrist in two places on the first series and will be on the mend for at least six weeks.

The defense is already missing starting defensive linemen Edward Bigby and Rod Oglesby and cornerback Snoop Byers. Only Bigby is expected to be ready by Friday’s season opener at Boiling Springs.

“It’s a big blow,” said Gaffney coach Dan Jones, commenting on Weeks’ injury. “He was our starting linebacker who was getting a lot of reps.”

Sophomore Antwan Davidson and senior Matt Varner will compete for Weeks’ spot.

The game itself included a costly fumble that led to a Shelby score, an opportunistic Gaffney offense that took advantage of two turnovers - and a downpour that soaked the field, players and fans.

However, the rain had nothing to do with the game’s first turnover, a C.J. Miller fumble that was scooped up and ran back for a Shelby touchdown.

The game stayed that way until the start of the second quarter when Gaffney’s Savon Dukes picked off a pass and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown. DeEdward Burris’ 2-point conversion put the Indians on top, 8-7.

Midway through the quarter, Gaffney recovered a fumbled punt at the Shelby 33. Several plays later, Burris scored on an 18-yard run.

This time, Wookie Littlejohn scored on the 2-point conversion for a 16-7 lead.

Despite not practicing against Shelby’s Wing-T attack, Gaffney bottled up the Shelby running attack. The Golden Lions did score in the game’s final minute and added a 2-point conversion to make the final score more competitive.

“The defense really played well,” Jones said. “I thought we would respond after we saw the offense a time or two, but we responded earlier that expected.”

Although a heavy downpour unloaded on the field in the second quarter making offensive execution more difficult, the Gaffney offense moved the chains behind a bevy of twisting, tackle-breaking romps by Burris.

Miller shook off the early fumble and also had some good runs.

Jones, though, would have liked Burris to distribute the ball more to his other playmakers.

“There’s no doubt that DeEdward is our best athlete but he has to get it to the other players,” Jones said.

Despite making considerable progress in other areas, Burris still must learn to unload the ball instead of taking a drive-killing sack.

Burris was named Gaffney’s player of the game, but Dukes was equally deserving.

“Savon took a big step. I’m real pleased, Gaffney co-defensive coordinator Kevin Phillips said.

The Indians also participated in a 4-quarter scrimmage Friday at York.

Behind a couple of touchdown catches by Quinshad Davis, the Indians jumped on the Cougars early to lead 20- 0.

“We looked good early but then we lost our intensity after we got the big lead,” Jones said.

Starting wideout Khris Brown and offensive lineman Brett Curtis missed both the scrimmage and showcase for non-injury related reasons. They are expected to return to the lineup on Friday.