Gaffney to rejoin Region II-4A, Blacksburg to Skyline 2A

Reunited, and it feels so good.

Separated for the past several years due to realignment by the S.C. High School League (SCHSL), Region II-4A may again become whole next season, welcoming back the likes of Gaffney and Spartanburg.

SCHSL officials released the proposal on Monday. Schools wishing to appeal the decision must do so in writing by Aug. 12, to which the league's executive committee will convene Sept. 21 to make its final decision.

After competing in the region for a number of years, the Indians were moved to Region III-4A in 2008, joining a contingent consisting primarily of York County schools including Clover, Rock Hill and Northwestern. The Vikings joined the region following the 2010 realignment process.

Perennial rivals Byrnes and Dorman will join Gaffney and Spartanburg in the region, in addition to Boiling Springs, Mauldin, Riverside, and Class 4A newcomer Wade Hampton of Greenville. According to head coach Dan Jones, the conference could possibly be the state's toughest by far.

"Personally, I think it is the best," he said. "How many regions have the past two state champions, both of whom have played each other in Columbia the past two years in the same conference? Add us and Spartanburg into the mix, and that makes for a lot of history and intrigue. I assure you that it can't get any better than that."

Though separated for the past four years, Gaffney has kept many of its former Region II-4A foes on its schedule, keeping old flames ablaze.

"Of course, Boiling Springs, Dorman and Byrnes are old rivalries; with the possibility of joining them once again I know the kids are excited and I most definitely am excited. It's just the way things are supposed to be," Jones said.

Blacksburg is also on the move, jumping from its familiar digs in Class A to that in Skyline (Region I) 2A, joining Carolina, Chesnee, Crescent, Landrum, Liberty, Pendleton and Powdersville.

As part of the SCHSL's new realignment plan in which classifications consist of 52 schools instead of the typical 48, the Wildcats —the largest school in Class A according to the league's 135-day numbers—become one of the smaller programs in Class 2A. The football program will be part of the classification's lower tier for its football playoffs, which beginning this season is open to all.