SPRINGFIELD, Ga. – The Effingham County Rebels will begin their sixth spring under Coach John Ford after finishing 2025 with an 8-3 record – the most wins by the program since 2002.
The Rebels advanced to the state tournament for their fifth straight year – a school record.
Despite the success, there are several question marks surrounding the team during its 10 spring practices starting today.
ECHS will end spring workouts with a three-team controlled scrimmage against Statesboro and Johnson at Statesboro on May 15.
Here are five things to watch from the Rebels this spring.
Swinney steps into the starting QB role
Kris Swinney, a mobile quarterback, will take over for big-armed passer Tucker Perkins so the offense will look different. When Perkins was hurt last season, Swinney stepped in and led the team to four touchdowns against Houston County. He started in the Rebels’ win over New Hampstead and played well in the second half against Glynn Academy.
“He was a good relief pitcher for us last year,” Ford said. “What I try to do is see what he can do best.”
Swinney averaged nearly eight yards a carry. Jmere Doe-Davis is one of the best running backs in the area but the Rebels aren’t going to abandon the passing game with Trayvis Hunter, Isaiah Brown and Malik Letman in the receiving stable.
Jordan Mullis takes over as defensive coordinator
Former Appling County head football coach Jordan Mullis will replace Steve Young as the Rebels’ defensive coordinator. ECHS gave up almost 29 points a game last season.
Mullis and Coach Ford had connections from Bleckley County High School. Mullis was a player before Ford worked there as a coordinator.
Mullis led Appling County to three state semifinal appearances in his four years. Mullis’ teams never allowed an average of more than 18 points a game in a season.
After the 2024 season, Mullis was fired for using an ineligible player and the Pirates forfeited 14 games. According to a report from the Blackshear Times, an athlete from Florida followed an assistant coach to Appling, making that player ineligible.
Transfers bolster key positions
Two transfers from Savannah Christian – Jordan Dillon and R.J. Brown – are expected to make immediate impacts. Both are attracting major college attention.
According to recruiting site 24/7, Dillon, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound offensive lineman, is leaning toward North Carolina State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina among his 29 offers.
Brown, a 6-3, 290, junior defensive lineman, has been offered by 16 schools including Arkansas, Florida State and Georgia Tech.
“They’ve already made an impact here just on how they carry themselves,” Ford said. “They’re great in the locker room, great in the hallway.”
New look on the offensive line
Five Rebel offensive line starters from 2025 will be graduating in a few weeks so Ford will be rebuilding.
Dillon is a proven commodity. Josh Edwards, Logan Thomas, Ashton Nelms, Ethan Martin, Carson Weaver and Luke Duncan will see reps.
“Somewhere in that mix we have to find a solid five,” Ford said. “You have to figure out what they do well.”
Can the Rebels put playoff losses in the past?
The Rebels have done a good job of getting to the postseason but they’ll be asked to erase the memory of last year’s disappointing 34-33 loss to Clarke Central in the first round of state.
ECHS has dropped five straight first-round postseason games.
“We should have won that game last year. We gave up three touchdowns and three two-point conversions. At no point did we look prepared,” Ford said. “But last year is a closed book. Everything starts now and we’re focused on Wednesday.”
