Even though their job offers few benefits other than the chance to share the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat with the players, South Effingham’s football managers are totally invested in their team.

The emotions they have experienced with their beloved Mustangs have tended to be on the disappointing side lately as the team has lost 15 of its last 16 games. That's one reason the all-female crew believes its responsibilities extend far beyond filling water bottles, repairing equipment and cleaning up after messy athletes.
""We are like the first cheerleaders," said Desire' Williams, a senior manager. "When the players are getting on and off the field, we are there to tell them, 'You've got this.'
"We get to talk to the guys. We get to know them."

See the Sept. 6 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.