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South Effingham Battles But Falls to Toombs County, 55-8
South vs. Toombs County
South Effingham quarterback Liam Coburn (12) scrambles away from Toombs County defensive end Hayden Bullard as teammates Nathan Slater (71) and Khyran White (4) look to provide blocks. (Photo courtesy of Mike Branch)

LYONS, Ga. โ€” South Effingham High School put up a fight Friday night but couldnโ€™t keep pace with Toombs County in a 55-8 road loss.

The Mustangs (0-2) trailed 20-0 at halftime before cutting the deficit to 20-8 midway through the third quarter. Danny Murtha blocked a punt and recovered it for Southโ€™s lone touchdown with eight minutes left in the period.

That momentum was short-lived, however, as the Bulldogs (3-0), the defending Class A Division 1 state champions, erupted for 28 unanswered points before the end of the quarter to put the game out of reach.

โ€œWe were punched in the mouth in the first half,โ€ South assistant coach Dustin Neal said. โ€œBut I was proud how we came out and fought back. The score does not reflect our effort. I really believe we are improving.โ€

Toombs entered the matchup after lopsided wins over Dooly County (42-0) and Dougherty (12-6 in a weather-shortened game). The Bulldogs beat the Mustangs 49-0 last year.

South Effingham, which dropped its season opener to New Hampstead 14-6, will have a bye next week before returning to action Sept. 12 against Lakeside.