This is not your grandfather’s Boiling Springs team.

Infused with confidence after back-toback 8-3 seasons, the Bulldogs pose a considerable threat in this Week Zero opener for the visiting Gaffney Indians.

“This is about an athletic a Boiling Springs team as I’ve seen,” Gaffney coach Dan Jones said.

He’s particularly impressed with the Bulldogs’ weapons on offense, namely sophomore quarterback Tyrecous Garrett, who possesses a skill set comparable to Gaffney’s dynamic signalcaller DeEdward Burris.

Garrett, who beat out Drew Lipscomb, the son of former Gaffney High assistant baseball coach Jeff Lipscomb, can move the chains with his feet or arm.

The Bulldogs also return a veteran offensive line.

If Jones or the Indians needed any further evidence of their opponent’s ability, they had to look no further than Boiling Springs’ victory over nationally-ranked Northwestern in a jamboree.

But Boiling Springs head coach Bruce Clark isn’t about to let the compliments interfere with his team’s preparations.

“I think we do have some athleticism but I’m not sure we are any more athletic than last year. I do like our athleticism but we don’t have game experience.”

Especially on defense, where the Bulldogs must replace their line.

Despite its record, the Bulldogs were barred from postseason play last year for using an ineligible player in practice.

Gaffney, on the other hand, is coming off a 10-4 record and a loss to eventual state champion Dorman in the semifinals. The Indians return six starters on offense and four on defense, where as many as seven sophomores could start. However, four of the defensive starters will likely miss the game with injuries.

The offensive line also is banged up. But Jones is philosophical.

“It’s part of football,” he said.

Although he has scouted the Bulldogs thoroughly, Jones said his focus will be on the Indians.

“My concern is to take care of our own business,” he said. “It’s the first game of the year, so I want to cut down on the number of mistakes. We need to be where we are supposed to be. We have to make Boiling Springs beat us and not beat ourselves.”

Clark sees no flaws in the Indians.

“If you look at them on film, they look like a college team,” he said. “They are big up front and have great speed and great athletes.”

Clark said he’s worried about the Indians’ defensive end tandem of Jaylen Miller and Edward Bigby.

As for his defense, Clark said the unit must contain Burris.

Both coaches are nervous about their respective kicking games. Gaffney must replace dependable kicker Josh Harris, who graduated.

With temperatures expected to be near 90 at kickoff, Clark said conditioning will likely be a factor.

“The team that wins will be the team that handles four quarters the best,” he said. “Fatigue will play a major role. But I think we’re in good shape.”

GAME AT A

GLANCE

GAFFNEY (0-0) vs. BOILING SPRINGS (0-0)

Kickoff: 8 p.m. at Boiling Springs.

Players to Watch: Boiling Springs: QB Tyrecous Garrett, RB Taylor Anderson, WR Shaquille Smith, DE Taylor Anderson. Gaffney QB DeEdward Burris, DL Jaylen Miller, WR Quinshad Davis, RB C.J. Miller.

What the Bulldogs must do to win - establish a running game to avoid third-and-long passing situations and contain Gaffney QB DeEdward Burris.

What the Indians must do to win - stop the Bulldogs' running game and be sound in the kicking game. Score touchdowns when they move the ball into the red zone.