SYLVANIA -- Even though they didn't win their scrimmage Friday night, the Effingham County Rebels got what they needed most against Screven County. The Rebels' 21-20 loss was a secondary concern because their offense, breaking in several new players at the skill positions, improved their timing and chemistry while the defense continued to build under new leadership. Because of the recent spate of hot, stormy weather, it was just the third time the Rebels have been in fulls pads since workouts for the 2018 campaign started. The Rebels entered halftime against the Gamecocks with a 17-14 lead thanks to a short field goal by Zach Thomas as time expired. Thomas booted a 41-yarder midway through the third period to extenid his team's advantage. Screven County rebounded with reserve units on the field for both teams, getting an early fourth-quarter touchdown on a 65-yard run and the decisive PAT, See the Aug. 15 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.