S.C.’s first full week of football comes bearing gifts

Photo Contributed by Larry Hilliard/ The Gaffney Ledger

Gaffney quarterback DeEdward Burris tries to escape a maze of Dorman defenders during last season's Class 4A "Big 16" semifinal contest. Burris gets his third -- and possibly final -- try at the hated Cavaliers Friday night at The Reservation.

Most teams come into the 2010 football season wanting to capture that winning feeling, and hope to somehow find themselves claiming the state’s top prize.
Dorman’s mission is simpler than that, yet possibly more difficult.
Repeat.
Winners of the 2009 Class 4A “Big 16” title, a 28-17 triumph over region rival Byrnes, the Cavaliers begin the quest Friday night as they take on Gaffney in a match-up between two of the state’s premier programs.
“The Cavaliers have been very business-like this off-season, taking a workmanlike approach into everything they did,” said RivalHigh Senior Analyst Dallas Jackson. “You can tell this season means a lot to them, and it starts at the top with head coach Dave Gutshall.”
While the quarterback position has been in flux for much of the preseason due to injuries, Dorman still was productive on offense by way of Clemson commitment Charone Peak. The 6-foot-4, 194-pound senior wide receiver led the team with 881 yards and nine touchdowns last season, and is expected to match those numbers -- or better them.
But the Cavaliers’ defense, which only returns three starters from a unit that gave up 10.5 points a game in 2009, will be tested by Gaffney’s prolific offense led by senior signal caller DeEdward Burris. The dual-threat accounted for 217 yards in the Indians’ 21-14 victory over Boiling Springs to open the season.
His favorite target was 6-foot-2 receiver Quinshad Davis, the recipient of two touchdowns last week against the Bulldogs.
To defeat Dorman, the Gaffney defense cannot wilt down the stretch like it did at Boiling Springs in the opener, nearly squandering a 21-point fourth quarter-lead.
That game is one of several key contests taking center stage around South Carolina this weekend, which includes a nationally-televised doubleheader in Rock Hill, S.C. Alabama Class 6A powerhourse Hoover makes the journey to the Palmetto State to take on the Rebels, and cross-town foes Northwestern and South Pointe renew acquaintances to open the 2010 campaign.
Defending Class 6A champions, the Bucs have yearned for the opportunity to play Byrnes, both schools’ dominance of the past decade running parallel tracks. Their paths will finally meet in a high noon contest at Rock Hill’s District Three Stadium, to be broadcast live on ESPN.
“When I talked to Hoover’s athletic director, the day she took the job there were a number of calls to her office requesting the school schedule Byrnes,” Jackson said. “The teams were already chirping a bit during passing camps, so they are definitely ready to settle things when it counts.”
Under center for Hoover is quarterback Ryan Carter, who Jackson believes is likely to commit to Mississippi State whenever an offer is made. He is quite a few weapons at his disposal, including receivers Jaylon Denson and Caleb Sims.
Not to be outdone, the Hoover (Ala.) defense is will do its part to stop a wounded, yet effective Rebels attack. Senior linebackers Teyrance Glaze and Tyler Roberts hope to put the clamps on Zach Blair and the rest of the Byrnes offense.
“Byrnes may be a bit down right now, while Hoover is riding high,” Jackson said. “But if Byrnes can stay close and maybe gain a little confidence in doing so, things could go their way.”
It will be strength on strength in when South Pointe takes on rival Northwestern (ESPNU, 4 p.m.).
The Stallions have dominated the series in winning three of four games, but the only defeat was a 24-6 loss to the Trojans in 2009 state playoffs.
Both squads have high hopes for 2010, led by top prospects Jadeveon Clowney (South Pointe) and Tennessee-commit Justin Worley.
“Swings of momentum will be key in this game, with a tipped ball and fumbles likely playing a role,” Jackson said. “As with any game, the team that plays the most poised, mistake-free football will win; particularly in a heated contest between rivals.”