EVANS, Ga. – Effingham County scored 39 points in a span of 16 minutes in the first half to blow past Lakeside 52-0 in the Region 1-6A opener for both teams Friday night.
Seven different Rebels scored touchdowns in ECHS' largest shutout win since defeating Groves 54-0 in 2019.
"Our offense did a good job driving the ball and converting in the red zone," Rebels coach John Ford said. "It's always good to get a win on a Friday night."
Rebels erupt in first half
Quarterback Matthew Dillon led ECHS with three touchdown passes — two to Trayvis Hunter, covering 12 and 88 yards, and a 39-yarder to Isaiah Brown.
Dillon's 12-yard pass to Hunter began the scoring with 5:10 remaining in the first half. His rainbow toss to Brown ended the 39-point blitz against the winless Panthers with 1:17 remaining in the half.
The Rebels (2-2) were equally efficient running the ball. Jordan Mydell, Kris Swinney and Jmere Doe-Davis had rushing touchdowns of 12, 1 and 3 yards, respectively.
Ford played his reserves in the second half. Freshman running back Marcus White scored on a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and Malik Letman returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown.
It was the second straight week Letman scored on a punt return.
Sophomore Brayden Edwards went 4-for-4 on extra-point attempts.
Defense keeps rolling
Defensively, ECHS registered its second straight shutout for the first time since 1990.
Jatiyus Scott and Jernard Albright had interceptions, and Doe-Davis recovered a fumble.
The Rebels blanked New Hampstead 37-0 on Sept. 4. ECHS had a bye Sept. 11.
"We were good in all three phases of the game. That's certainly what you want to see coming out of a bye," Ford said.
Bradwell awaits
The Rebels will return home next Friday night against Bradwell Institute.
The Tigers are off to a 3-1 start after defeating Glynn Academy 54-43.
