No. 3 Gaffney (S.C.) vs. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.)Gaffney was considered a favorite for the
South Carolina Class 4A-I title as far back as the preseason. But few – if any – envisioned how good the Indians would be. Heading into Saturday's state championship game at Clemson's Memorial Stadium, Gaffney (14-0) has outscored opponents by an average score of 49-10 and has beaten everyone on its schedule by at least 21 points. A key reason for the success has been the emergence of first-year starting quarterback
Joey Copeland. The senior has completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,795 yards with 42 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.
Byrnes has revenge on its mind after losing at home to Gaffney on Sept. 16, 35-13. It was just the ninth time since 2004 the Rebels lost to an in-state opponent but the fifth time the loss came to Gaffney. Byrnes (12-2) has since won 10 consecutive games, including a 31-0 shutout of Blythewood in last week's state semifinals. This is the Rebels'
eighth appearance in the state championship in the last 10 seasons.
Mitch Stephens: Byrnes 24, Gaffney 21
Steve Montoya: Gaffney 25, Byrnes 17
Stephen Spiewak: Gaffney 41, Byrnes 28
Kevin Askeland: Gaffney 56, Byrnes 30
Jamie DeMoney: Gaffney 31, Byrnes 24
Bryan Bailey and Byrnes lost by 22 points to Gaffney earlier this season.
File photo by Pat Lovell
