SPRINGFIELD, Ga. – Kris Swinney is the ultimate utility player. Last season for Effingham County’s football team, Swinney played cornerback and returned kicks.
On the baseball team, he contributed as a pinch runner, played in the outfield, and even donned catching gear behind the plate.
And he’s ready when called on to perform.
The Rebels may need Swinney to play quarterback Friday on the road against New Hampstead. Kickoff at Pooler Stadium is 7:30 p.m.
“I’ll be ready for New Hampstead. I’m ready right now,” Swinney said.
Few would doubt the junior’s preparedness after he filled in for starter Tucker Perkins, who suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter of a 56-42 loss to Houston County. Swinney engineered three straight touchdown drives in the first half against the Class 5A sixth-ranked Bears to keep the Rebels in the game.
Swinney finished with three touchdowns on runs of 20, 1 and 3 yards. He also threw a 19-yard scoring pass to Trayvis Hunter.
“Obviously, we want Tucker. He’s a premiere quarterback,” ECHS coach John Ford said. “When Kris comes in, he gives the defense a different picture. He’s kind of the perfect guy to have in the bullpen.”
Defense faces challenges
Healing the Rebels’ defense could be another storyline this season. Effingham County’s defense, slightly compromised without Swinney, a starting cornerback, surrendered 567 yards against Houston – 265 through the air.
“It’s not about fixing the defense. Houston County is really good,” Ford said. “What happened this week with Houston has nothing to do with New Hampstead.”
New Hampstead adjusting
New Hampstead (1-1) hasn’t displayed the aerial threats of Houston County, particularly after graduating quarterback Ra’Shawn Truell (Savannah State) and wide receiver Kamari Maxwell (Austin Peay).
Last year, Truell threw for 466 yards and Maxwell had 15 catches for 283 yards and five touchdowns during the Phoenix’s 47-44 victory over the Rebels.
The Phoenix opened its 2025 season with a 14-6 win over South Effingham on Aug. 15 before falling to Class A-3A private school Savannah Christian 28-12 last Friday. Running back Christian Kinlaw (167 yards, 2 TDs against South) has been the team’s key offensive contributor. NHHS’ leading returning receiver, Ben Hockman (35 catches, 771 yards, 7 TDs), hasn’t played this season because of an injury.
“Whether we have Tucker or not, we have to keep working,” Ford said.
