SPRINGFIELD -- The Effingham County Rebels had to take the long way to get to where they wanted to go Friday night.

With their inside running game stymied, the Rebels started attacking the perimeter of Bradwell Institute's defense. The move paid off with a 38-13 Region 2-AAAAAA victory that propelled them into the state playoffs.

"I'm proud of the players because they didn't let it get to them when we couldn't get it going inside," Effingham County coach Buddy Holder said. "When that happens, you've got to find something else that works -- and that's what we did."

In their last two games. the Rebels (4-5, 1-2) had great success gaining ground in the middle of the field. Toot Johnson rushed for 285 yards last week against Brunwick and racked up 174 in the previous contest against Glynn Academy.

Demario Gant set the tone for the night by taking a reverse 72 yards for a touchdown on Effingham County's first offensive snap. The play started with a handoff to Johnson.

Later in the first quarter, Gant scored again from 80 yards out, this time on an 80-yard catch-and-run.

The Rebels' Trevon Wilkenson added a 72-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. Their other first-half scores came via a 29-yard field goal by Zach Thomas and a 57-yard interception return by Michael Johnson

See the Nov. 1 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.