Photo by JOE L. HUGHES II
High fives have been in abundance for Gaffney early on in 2011, the Indians thoroughly dominating stout opponents such as Boiling Springs and Dorman. It will get another tough test Friday against Greenwood.
STOCKS UP:
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Gaffney: Probably no team in South Carolina has been more impressive through two games than the Indians, dominating Boiling Springs en route to a 47-0 victory as well as a 35-14 demolition of Dorman in front of a national audience. Putting to rest all doubts regarding the Gaffney quarterback position, Joey Copeland has scored 10 touchdowns and thrown for more than 500 yards. Most importantly, he’s been relatively mistake-free, an attribute lacking in the man he replaced, Shrine Bowl nominee DeEdward Burris.
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Dillon: Despite their youth last season, the Wildcats came minutes from a third consecutive state title. With Jabo Lee and Kwinton Smith making plays on offense and the defensive unit flying all over the field, this is definitely a squad which could contend for another state title. Through two games, Dillon has yet to allow a point. Tougher tests will come down the road, but team will not be an easy out.
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York: Bobby Carroll was able to work his magic at South Pointe, winning a state title and coming close to claiming another last season. It seems he’s well on his way to doing the same at York, the Cougars annihilating Lewisville and Broome by a combined score of 137-0. While it is early on the 2011 season, the team is already a win away from equaling its total for last year’s campaign. Going 3-0 will be quite the task, however, York and Northwestern renewing acquaintances.
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Newberry: Leaving Gaffney on the most awkward of terms, head coach Phil Strickland found things a bit tough in his first season in Newberry, leading the Bulldogs to a 4-7 record. The team competed hard in its playoff loss at Chesnee, however, yielding hope things could quickly turn around for a program used to good results on the gridiron. Strickland has typically been the author of quick turnarounds, and at least through one week Newberry is on the right track, defeating perennial Class 3A powerhouse Clinton, 21-14. The Bulldogs dominated things on both sides of the ball, matching the Red Devils’ toughness, something that is rarely seen at any time.
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Woodruff: We all expected a dynamic Wolverines’ squad capable of making a deep run in the Class 2A playoffs. Following a 51-28 beat down of Greenville, sky’s the limit for Woodruff, appearing to be in midseason form. Quarterback Ryan Perkins befuddled the Red Raiders’ defense, hurling the pigskin around the lot to the tune of 294 yards and six touchdowns. It has been a long time since the Wolverines added a trophy to the vast collection at the school; this may be the year that changes.
STOCKS TO WATCH: Chesterfield, Dorman, Dutch Fork, Myrtle Beach, Northwestern, Strom Thurmond
STOCKS DOWN:
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Irmo: It wasn’t long ago the Yellow Jackets were celebrating their conquest of Gaffney, pushing the team to within a 48 minutes of a date in the state title game. That cold November night also was the last time Irmo tasted victory, which includes consecutive losses to begin the 2011 campaign by a combined score of 75-7. Head coach Bob Hanna’s vaunted rushing attack, a staple in the Yellow Jackets’ offensive scheme gained next to nothing against Dutch Fork and Goose Creek, both tough opponents. If this team cannot get off the mat soon, it could be a long season for Irmo with meetings against Lexington and the Silver Foxes remaining on the schedule.
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Williston-Elko: It is one thing to receive a thorough beat down from one of the state’s perennial powerhouses. But the Blue Devils are singing another tune after losing a 20-18 decision to Barnwell, dropping the team to 0-2. The losses also mark the first time W-E has been dealt consecutive losses since 2006. A prolific offense last season, the team has found it tough moving the ball thus far, unable to block opponents and allowing them to corral South Carolina commitment Kendric Salley. He was able to get loose for 157 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Barnwell, but he can’t do it by himself. If Salley doesn’t get help, don’t count on the Blue Devils to be among the select few left in Class A later this season.
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Daniel: The Lions built an early lead only to watch it crumble, the result of their own mistakes. Penalties wound up costing Daniel its season opening contest and their first in brand new Singleton Field, allowing Easley to drive 75-yards in the game’s final minutes to and come away with a 22-21 victory. A lot of good things could be taken from the game, particularly that the Lions kept a good Green Wave offense in check for three quarters. But it is treading on dangerous ground early, and facing off against another squad which lost its opener in Greenville.
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Greenville: It was relatively known the Red Raiders would be rebuilding. But to receive a 51-28 beating at the hands of Woodruff in the opener definitely was not expected. The team’s vaunted offensive attack was rendered useless against a stifling Wolverines’ defense, firmly intent on making a run at a state title. Things go from bad to worse this week for Greenville, the squad facing off against fellow Class 3A powerhouse Daniel, also featuring quite a defensive front which can get after the quarterback. Don’t look now, but the Red Raiders could fall to 0-2 with several other strong Upstate teams down the road.
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Christ Church: A team with championship aspirations, the Cavaliers’s second game of the season was nothing more than a proverbial thud, dropping a 20-6 decision to perennial doormat Liberty. While the Red Devils are seeking a change of attitude under new coach Kyle Stewart, this is a game Christ Church should win. However, it shows what happens when teams don’t come to play. Championship teams come to play regardless of the situation; it will be interesting to see how the Cavaliers rebound from this loss.
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