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South Effingham Edges Glynn Academy, Closes In on Playoffs
South Effingham football
Jackson McClure crosses the goal line for one of his two touchdown receptions from quarterback Liam Coburn, helping lead South Effingham to a 19-11 victory over Glynn Academy on Friday night. McClure caught scoring passes of 66 and 10 yards. (Craig LeTourneau / Effingham Herald)

GUYTON, Ga. — South Effingham strengthened its bid for a berth in the Class 6A state football playoffs with a hard-fought 19-11 victory over Glynn Academy on Friday night at the Corral.

The Mustangs improved to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Region 1 by finding a way to slow the Red Terrors' relentless option attack and generating just enough offense. Quarterback Liam Coburn threw two touchdown passes to Jackson McClure and added a rushing touchdown to account for all of South's scoring.

The Mustangs began the day ranked No. 22 in the power rankings, with 32 teams qualifying for the playoffs.

“It probably depends on our seven wins. I think we will. It's exciting to think we've probably clinched,” South Effingham coach Loren Purvis said.

Back-to-back victories over Brunswick and Glynn Academy have strengthened the Mustangs' case.

“I think we deserve to get in, and once we're in, we can give someone a run for their money,” Coburn said.

South Effingham football
Glynn Academy defenders bring down South Effingham quarterback Liam Coburn during Friday night's game at the Corral. Coburn threw two touchdown passes to Jackson McClure and ran for another in the Mustangs' 19-11 victory over the Red Terrors. (Craig LeTourneau / Effingham Herald)

Coburn, McClure lead the way

Glynn Academy opened the game with a time-consuming, 13-play, 75-yard drive. Max Noonan scored on a 1-yard dive, and the Red Terrors converted the two-point attempt for an 8-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Coburn connected with a wide-open McClure for a 66-yard touchdown pass. Coburn added a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Mustangs ahead 12-8.

South Effingham football
South Effingham's Landyn White (2) and Danny Murtha (1) team up to tackle Glynn Academy's Ian Pomiechowski during Friday night's game at the Corral. The Mustangs' defense helped limit the Red Terrors to 11 points in a 19-11 victory. (Craig LeTourneau / Effingham Herald)

Defense delivers in second half

Glynn Academy kept pounding away, reaching the South Effingham 2-yard line in the third quarter. However, a series of procedure penalties pushed the Red Terrors backward, and they settled for Patrick Coyle's 34-yard field goal to cut the Mustangs' lead to 12-11.

Glynn set up for another field goal attempt on its next possession, but a bad snap resulted in a 17-yard loss. South then put the game away when Coburn connected with McClure for a 10-yard touchdown pass.

“I was proud of our kids. They never backed down from the challenge,” Purvis said.

The Mustangs will close out the regular season next Friday against Bradwell Institute in Hinesville.