Gaffney (S.C.) at Northwestern (Rock Hill, S.C.)
Northwestern will put its national ranking on the line against Gaffney, an in-state terror.
Photo by Randy Sartin
Senior quarterback
Shaq Davidson and running back
Hyleck Foster (Marshall) combined for more than 3,300 yards of total offense and 48 touchdowns to help Gaffney win the Class 4A I state title last season. Davidson, who is committed to South Carolina as a receiver prospect, moved under center after Gaffney had staggered out of the gate with a 3-3 record – including a stunning 49-19 loss at home to Northwestern in the opener. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Davidson led the Indians to nine straight wins and their record 16th state title but first since 2006.
Oklahoma State-bound quarterback
Mason Rudolph leads a contingent of 15 returning starters from a Northwestern squad that finished 12-3 and played in the Class 4A II state championship game. The Trojans averaged more than 40 points per game, thanks in large part to Rudolph's amazing offensive production that included 4,010 passing yards with 41 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
Mitch Stephens: Gaffney 28, Northwestern 21
Kevin Askeland: Gaffney 48, Northwestern 21
Jamie DeMoney: Northwestern 38, Gaffney 33
Stephen Spiewak: Northwestern 45, Gaffney 31
Leland Gordon: Northwestern 27, Gaffney 21
Colin Ward-Henninger: Northwestern 42, Gaffney 28
