No. 11 Gaffney (S.C.) at Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.)
Gaffney has been a juggernaut this season under second-year coach Dan Jones. The Indians have beaten four opponents – including a pair of state-title contenders in Dorman (Roebuck) and Greenwood – by a combined total of 191-45.
Joey Copeland's first year at quarterback has netted outstanding results. This senior has completed more than 71 percent of his passes for more than 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also has nine rushing touchdowns, including a 24-yarder last week in Gaffney's 62-10 obliteration of Union County (Union, S.C.).
Last week, Byrnes bounced back from its 28-21 double-overtime loss to Myrtle Beach on Sep. 2 with a 56-2 assault on Bayside (Palm Bay, Fla.). It began a new home winning streak for the Rebels, who were victories in 70 consecutive home games before losing to Myrtle Beach. Though Byrnes has clearly been the top team in South Carolina for nearly a decade, Gaffney has been an ongoing thorn in its side. The Rebels have lost only eight times to in-state opponents since 2004, and four of those were to Gaffney.
Mitch Stephens: Byrnes 28, Gaffney 24
Steve Montoya: Gaffney 14, Byrnes 6
Stephen Spiewak: Gaffney 31, Byrnes 17
Kevin Askeland: Gaffney 50, Byrnes 35
Jamie DeMoney: Gaffney 35, Byrnes 28
