SPRINGFIELD -- Against a defense that had been exceptionally leaky in the first half Saturday night, the Statesboro Blue Devils eventually ran dry.

Effingham County stormed back from a 28-7 halftime deficit to claim an exciting 38-34 victory -- their fourth straight over their non-region rivals.

The Rebels seized their first lead in improbable fashion in the fourth quarter. Demonte Lee scooped up the ball after a 52-yard field goal fell short and zigged and zagged 85 yards for a touchown that, coupled with a Zach Thomas PAT, made it 35-34 with 10:14 to go.

The Blue Devils managed only one first down the rest of the game. They netted just 106 yards on the ground in the final 24 minutes, including 64 on their final touchdown with nine minutes left in the third quarter. They rushed for 240 yards on just 22 attempts in the opening half.

Effingham County, meanwhile, exploded offensively down the stretch, rolling up 332 yards in the second half after gaining just 153 in the first two quarters.

Jerid Stokes passed for 211 yards in the second half. He had just 91 at intermission.

See the Sept. 20 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.