A new season begins for the Indians on Thursday night as Gaffney opens Region 3-5A play, hosting Dorman (4-2, 1-0) at The Reservation. The game was originally slated for Friday but due to impending weather from hurricane Matthew, school officials made the decision on Wednesday morning to play the game a day earlier on Thursday. Gaffney (5-1) enters region play coming off a 30-20 victory over Rock Hill at District Three Stadium on Friday. After opening the season with two consecutive losses, the Cavaliers of Dorman picked up their fourth and most impressive victory this past Friday, a 28-14 win over the undefeated Boiling Spring Bulldogs.

Gaffney quarterback Tyshun Sarratt bounced back from his concussion suffered in the Indians’ loss to Northwestern on Homecoming, throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Cameron Rice also had a strong outing against the Bearcats, rushing for a career high 134 yards to go along with a touchdown. Dennis Smith led the receiving core with 91 yards on four receptions including a 42-yard pass on the Indians’ first play from scrimmage. The Gaffney defense allowed just 17 yards rushing and recorded two interceptions by Jaiden Clayton and Deshawn Evans.

Dorman is led by senior quarterback Jalen Fowler, who completed 16 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns against Boiling Springs. Leading rusher Kameron Wilson also had a big night, running behind Dormans’ larger than life offensive line, carrying the ball 24 times for 130 yards and a touchdown. The Cavalier defense held Boiling Springs’ high powered offense to a season low 138 total yards.

Gaffney and Dorman meet for the 63rd time since 1964 on Thursday night with the Indians 34-27-1 all-time against the Cavaliers. Thursday night’s game is also the annual “Pink Out” to honor those who have been affected by breast cancer.

This year’s Region 3-5A is composed of just five teams: Gaffney, Dorman, Byrnes, Boiling Springs, and Spartanburg with the top four advancing to the playoffs. One team will be denied a playoff bid come the end of October so each region game is guaranteed to be hard-fought.