What experts? That’s the response Dorman coach Dave Gutshall has to his team’s national ranking.

Dorman is ranked 17th in the USA Today poll. The Cavaliers are also ranked 10th in the Rivals.com poll and come in at No. 20 the National Prep Poll.

“I think (the experts) have to understand that this is a different football team. Last year, our strength was our front seven, but they have all graduated,” said Gutshall, whose team travels to The Reservation today for a key early-season game.

The Cavaliers, winners of last season’s 4A Div. I state championship, have seven offensive and three defensive starters back from last season. The defense allowed 10.5 points per game last year, while the offense averaged more than 30.

But there’s uncertainty over the quarterback position. Starter Nelson Hughes was injured in a recent scrimmage and could miss today’s game. If Hughes, the Cavs’ most accurate passer, can’t go, look for Casey Cohen, a converted defensive back, to play quarterback.

Without Hughes, Dorman’s excellent group of wide receivers led by Charone Peake and Adam Humphries, who’ve both committed to Clemson, may not be as big factor in the game.

However, it’s on defense where Gutshall has his biggest concern. The Cavaliers must plug holes up front but return Humphries, Cohen and Miles Robinson in the secondary.

Gaffney coach Dan Jones said Dorman is well-deserving of its lofty status.

“They have three Division I players in Peake, Humphries and offensive lineman Patrick DeStefano.”

He added the Cavaliers have no holes on offense with a strong offensive line and big-play athletes at running back and wide receiver.

After giving up 42 points in the seasonopening loss to the Cavaliers in 2009, the Indians’ defense held them to just 10 points in the semifinal playoff game. Jones said the unit’s improved play was simply the result of maturation of his young players.

If the Indians are to pull the upset, they must do a better job of neutralizing the Cavs’ blitzes. That means the offensive line as well as the running backs must pick up the blitzing outside linebacker and quarterback DeEdward Burris must be in sync with his hot receiver.

Defensively, the Indians must contain Peake, whom Jones calls an A.J. Green (University of Georgia star) clone.

Both coaches are concerned with an untested kicking game. The Indians have been auditioning place kickers this week. Last week, Caleb Knight, the team’s punter, handled all the kicking chores.

If the Indians have an advantage it’s they played in week zero, while Dorman did not.

“Coaches say the biggest improvement a team makes is between the first and second weeks,” Gutshall said.

Jones said today’s result won’t make or break the Indians’ season.

“It’s a good measuring stick but our season isn’t riding on it.”

The Indians played without four starters on defense last week, but should get back defensive lineman Edward Bigby. Snoop Byers, the team’s top corner, could also return.

GAME AT A

GLANCE

GAFFNEY (1-0) vs. DORMAN (0-0)

Kickoff: 8 p.m. at THE RESERVATION.

Players to Watch: Dorman QB Nelson Hughes, WR Charone Peak, WR Adam Humphries, OL Patrick DeStefano. Gaffney QB DeEdward Burris, DL Jaylen Miller, WR Quinshad Davis, RB C.J. Miller.

What the Cavaliers must do to win - dominate on defense like they did last year and allow their big-play wideouts to take over the game.

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