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By Jed Blackwell
Sports Editor
Dorman head coach Dave Gutshall said the Cavaliers’ 295-yard rushing output against Spartanburg last Friday was not by design. Instead, Dorman took advantage of an opportunity in its 20-7 victory over the crosstown-rival Vikings.
“The way they lined up, we know they were going to give us the run,” Gutshall said. “They weren’t gonna give us (Charon) Peake and those guys, so we decided to try to run it. It worked out real good for us.”
While Spartanburg’s defense might have been giving the Cavs the run, it was clear what Dorman’s defense was giving back nothing.
The Cavaliers allowed the Vikings just 108 total offensive yards, incluing just 66 rushing yards on 30 carries. Dorman’s defense completely dominated the Vikings, allowing just one serious scoring threat, and that one coming after a fumble return set Spartanburg up deep in Dorman territory.
“They played well, and I’m proud of them,” Gutshall said. “Our defense plays with a lot of pride. I hated that they lost the shutout, but their performance was pretty special.”
The Cavs lost the shutout on a 64-yard punt return by Ronnie Martin with 6:29 to play. It was Martin’s second big punt return of the evening, with the first setting the Vikings up in Dorman territory, and another touchdown for Martin only prevented by the kicker.
“Ronnie Martin is a great player,” Spartanburg head coach Freddie Brown said. “We’ve got to find more ways to get him the ball and let him do what he needs to do. Unfortunately tonight we didn’t stick it in on offense, but we’ll get better.”
Dorman scored all its’ points before halftime, with A.J. Booker providing touchdowns of 14-and 57-yards, and Raymond Smith scoring on a 7-yard dash as Dorman built a 20-0 halftime advantage.
Gutshall was mostly pleased with his team’s overall performance, but definitely saw room for improvement.
“Our special teams play was not good, and I’m not pleased with that,” he said. “That’s an area where we’ll have to get better.
Both teams will return to action this week, as Dorman hosts Gaffney and Spartanburg will travel to Union County.
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