GUYTON, Ga. – South Effingham freshman quarterback Liam Coburn decided to do something about his team’s struggling offense Friday night.

Facing third-and-long early in the fourth quarter, Coburn, not known for scrambling, took off out of the pocket and hit a defensive back so hard the defender’s helmet flew off.

The Mustangs bench erupted, and the hit provided some much-needed energy.

“I think our team is in a much better spot,” South coach Loren Purvis said. “They care. They understand what it takes.”

The Mustangs couldn’t overcome a sluggish start and lost their season opener to New Hampstead 14-6. But the display of passion — often missing during the winless 2024 season — was readily apparent.

“We have nine more games left, and I think we’re going to build off this,” Coburn said. “This is a different team than in the past.” 

A pregame downpour and flashes of lightning in the area delayed kickoff for about an hour and a half. The game ended at 11:52 p.m.

Defense Keeps Game Close

But the Mustangs couldn’t stop Phoenix running back Christian Kinlaw, who scored on runs of 31 and 20 yards and caught a two-point conversion from quarterback Erik Hockman to build a 14-0 lead through three quarters.

Kinlaw did most of his damage during the final three quarters, running for 160 yards on 18 carries. A year ago, New Hampstead rang up 56 points against South Effingham.

“I was very proud of the defense,” Mustangs middle linebacker Corey Woods said. “I think we took a major step as a defense. We had more energy. I love that. We all did our one eleven.”

Woods explained the team phrase “doing your one eleven” means there are 11 defenders on the field. You do your one job and trust your other 10 teammates to do theirs.

Special Teams, Offense Struggle

The offense had just two first downs until the final drive of the third quarter. Coburn’s 10-yard scramble and big hit—and a subsequent helmet-to-helmet 15-yard penalty assessed to the New Hampstead defense—highlighted South’s 11-play, 54-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter.

“I rolled out and saw a dude and I thought, ‘I’m going to get my lick on him.’ It got the energy going,” Coburn said. “We got a little momentum going, and we were gaining confidence as the game went on.”

Heart-Stopping Moment

“I’m going to move on from it,” Woods said. “I’m going to catch more balls in practice, and the next time I get that opportunity, I’ll be good.”

South had a last possession deep in its own territory in the final minute. Mustangs wide receiver Landyn White caught a short pass, took a hit on the sidelines, and laid motionless before responding to medical personnel, Purvis said. White was taken off the field on a stretcher and into an ambulance.

It was a sobbing moment that shook up players and coaches. Purvis tried his best to put the game in perspective in the silent locker room.

“The kids came out and competed. You can build on that,” he said.

Looking Ahead