By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Early Fight from South Effingham Fizzles in Third Quarter Against Toombs
South Effingham vs. Toombs
Freshman quarterback Liam Coburn looks to make a play for South Effingham during Friday’s game against Toombs County. Coburn completed 3 of 10 passes for 52 yards as the Mustangs battled early before a third-quarter surge by the Bulldogs put the game out of reach. (Photo courtesy of Mike Branch)

LYONS, Ga. — A strong effort was skewed by an unflattering scoreboard, South Effingham coach Loren Purvis said, reflecting on the Mustangs’ 55-8 loss to host Toombs County on Friday night.

The Bulldogs (3-0) turned a close game into a rout with 35 points in a six-minute span of the third quarter.

“Part of it was us running out of gas and the other part, they turned it on,” Purvis said of the scoring spree, which included 26-, 55- and 43-yard touchdown runs and 53- and 63-yard passing touchdowns, according to MaxPreps scoretracker.

Early Chances, Key Mistakes

Subtract the six-minute nightmare, and South was in the game with the defending Class A Division I state champions. Danny Murtha blocked a punt and fell on it in the end zone at the start of the third quarter, and freshman quarterback Liam Coburn’s two-point conversion pass to Hayden Still cut Toombs’ lead to 20-8.

The Mustangs (0-2) had other first-half opportunities, but key mistakes — including a dropped pass and a fumble — thwarted scoring chances and proved demoralizing, Purvis said.

South extended its losing streak to 13 games, dating back to the 2023 season finale. Last season, the Mustangs lost to the Bulldogs 49-0.

“Toombs County is probably one of the most talented teams we’ll see this year,” Purvis said. “I think we’ve improved from the Screven County scrimmage to the New Hampstead game [a 14-6 season-opening loss] and from New Hampstead to Toombs. We’re a better team than the score indicates. We have kids competing their tails off. I think our kids just have to understand how good they can be.”

South vs. Toombs
South Effingham’s Jackson McClure (19) prepares to return a kickoff with help from teammate Jayden Hair (6) during Friday’s game against Toombs County. (Photo courtesy of Mike Branch)

Offense Strugles 

South finished with just 83 offensive yards but had moments when they moved the ball against a defense that had allowed only six points in its first two games.

At the start of the second half, South marched inside Toombs’ territory before stalling. A punt pinned the Bulldogs near the goal line and set up the blocked punt.

“It was complimentary football and it resulted in a big play for us,” Purvis said. “Defensively, I thought we were in the right places; it’s just hard to tackle their guys. They’re great players. You can’t make mistakes against them, and we were overwhelmed.”

Toombs running back Justin Powell ran for 119 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Joseph Owens threw for 344 yards and two scores.

For South, Coburn completed 3-of-10 passes for 52 yards. Khyran White ran 11 times for 25 yards. Nose guard Kadin Ward and linebacker Alex Cabrera stood out defensively, Purvis said.

Looking Ahead

The Mustangs will have a bye week before starting region play at home against Lakeside on Sept. 12. Purvis said the break will help heal nagging injuries suffered against Toombs, noting that conditioning remains a priority since several players play both ways.

“We have four or five guys who are banged up, but I think they should be OK in two weeks,” Purvis said.