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Rebels' House powered by blue-collar attitude
Desmond House
Effingham County junior running back Desmond House, shown in an Aug. 9 scrimmage against Screven County, rushed for 812 yards without fumbling last season

SPRINGFIELD — Effingham County junior Desmond House is a hungry runner determined to gobbble up big chunks of yardage. 

Competition comes naturally to House. His blue-collar work ethic was established by his father, who taught him that a starting job wasn’t going to fall into his lap.

It was then House began to distinguish himself from other backs.

“That the only mentality I’ve ever known,” House said. “That’s how my parents raised me. They told me to work for everything you want.

‘When I was in rec league, I wanted the starting spot in football and my dad told me I had to go work for it.”

To House, football is about much more than scoring touchdowns. He is appreciative of the Rebels’ fan base and the community. They are what makes every extra rep in the weight room worth it to him.

“We want to go undefeated this year,” House said. “We could have done that last year but we didn’t get the job done. We are coming for everybody that did us wrong last year.”

House was quite impressive as a sophomore, rushing for 812 yards without a fumble. He has tweaked his game in a few areas with the goal of becoming a 1,000-yard rusher this season. 

“My vision and my speed,” House said in reference to his strengths. “How I carry the ball — I think I have good vision and I’ve been getting better at my cuts.”

The Rebels are set tp open the season at home against Evans on Aug. 23. House can’t help but reminisce on last year’s meeting when the Rebels mustered just three field goals.

Although Effingham County prevailed 9-6, House thinks he left a few touchdowns behind. This year, with the home crowd behind him, he’s hopeful things will be a lot different.  

“I am ready to get the season started,” House said. “There is nothing better than playing at home in this stadium and in this environment. Everything is so crazy and hyped up. You have to love it. 

“This is ECHS football. Everybody knows us.”