SPRINGFIELD — First-year Effingham County head coach John Ford and two of his assistants recently received statewide recognition for their team’s improvement in 2021.

On Dec. 15, Georgia High School Football Daily released its final Class AAAAAA Improvement Tracker standings, which are based on the computer Maxwell Ratings. The Rebels jumped 20.7 points over their 2020 total to easily push Ford past Robert Edwards (Riverwood), Craig Bennett (Cambridge), Caleb Carmean (Kennesaw Mountain) and Matt Helmerich (Johns Creek).

Ford led the Rebels to the playoffs, ending the season with a 6-4 mark. Their win total was three more than in 2020 and they averaged nine points more per game while surrendering nine points less.

In addition, offensive line coach Austin Osment and linebackers coach Tommy Gilstrap were named Class AAAAAA assistant coach of the year for their position by Parker Resources.