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Effingham County Tops South 49-21 for Sixth Straight Rivalry Win
Rebels vs. South
Effingham County quarterback Tucker Perkins sprints downfield after losing his helmet, with South Effingham’s Kadin Ward (15) in pursuit. Perkins threw for 283 yards and four touchdowns as the Rebels rolled to a 49-21 victory. (Mark Lastinger / Effingham Herald)

Guyton, Ga. — Quarterback Tucker Perkins carved up South Effingham’s defense Friday night, throwing for 283 yards and four touchdowns to spark Effingham County’s 49-21 win at the Corral.

The victory marked the Rebels’ sixth straight in the in-county rivalry, which began in 1996 when South opened after a split from Effingham County High.

The tone was set almost immediately. After recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff, the Rebels needed just one play to score — a 7-yard run from Jernard Albright just 12 seconds into the game. Effingham County (3-2, 2-1 Region 1-5A) went on to score touchdowns on its first four possessions, building a lead South could never surpass.

Perkins spread the ball around to a talented group of receivers. Trayvis Hunter hauled in two touchdown passes, while Jmere Doe-Davis and Malik Letman each added scoring receptions. Letman was especially effective, finishing with four catches for 131 yards. Doe-Davis complemented the air attack with 122 rushing yards and a touchdown catch.

JR Makenzie powered in for two rushing scores, adding balance to an offense that never slowed down.

Rebels vs. South
South Effingham’s Liam Coburn (12) is helped into the end zone by teammate Danny Murtha (1) as Effingham County’s John Baker (12) tries to stop him. Coburn’s touchdown was one of South’s three scores in the 49-21 loss. (Mark Lastinger / Effingham Herald)

South Effingham (1-3, 1-1) found some success on the ground. Danny Murtha, Liam Coburn and Maddox Vasquez each ran for touchdowns, while running back Khyran White carried 21 times for 102 yards.

But on this night, the Rebels’ early surge — and Perkins’ pinpoint passing — kept the streak alive and the bragging rights in Springfield.

Check back tomorrow for expanded coverage, including more photos, interviews, and special features of Effingham County’s annual rivalry celebration.