The Byrnes Rebels and the Spartanburg Vikings may be rivals, but they have one thing in common: they both have sent the Gaffney Indians a message before game time. The Rebels sent a black wreath two weeks ago with a sash across it that read, “R.I.P no playoffs for the G.” Most recently the Vikings have taken to the Gaffney practice field to leave their message for the the Indians. The paint simply says, “SHS Rules.” Also included is a drawing of the Viking.

Gaffney and Spartanburg meet tonight in a rivalry game that dates back to the beginning of South Carolina High School Football. As of 1950, the Indians and Vikings have met 76 times with Spartanburg leading 41-34-1. Gaffney’s last win in the series came in 2013, Spartanburg head coach Chris Miller’s inaugural season with the Vikings, in a 61-47 shootout at Wofford College.

Tonight’s game also has great implications concerning the playoffs. A Gaffney victory would most likely send the Tribe to Nation Ford to begin the playoffs; a loss would amount to a trip to Northwestern for the first round of the AAAAA Playoffs. The Vikings have a chance to share the Region 3-5A Championship with a win and a Dorman victory. Kickoff is set for 7:30 from the Reservation.