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Rebels shake off opening setbacks, down Devils
Nate Hayes
Rebels quarterback Nate Hayes (7) throws a pass into the flat as a Blue Devils defender closes in Friday night. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

STATESBORO -- Effingham County's offense and defense turned in solid efforts on both sides of the line of scrimmage en route to a 32-10 rout of Statesboro at Womack Field on Friday.

Quarterback Nate Hayes racked up 276 total yards and four touchdowns for the Rebels, who were limited to 10 points while dropping their first two games to Richmond Hill and Burke County.  He passed for three scores, hitting Timothy Brown for one from 10 yards and two to Keion Wallace that covered 26 and 60 yards.

Wallace finished with eight grabs for 156 yards.

Keysean McCarr tallied Effingham County's first touchdown from a yard out on the opening drive. Hayes' first-half scoring run covered six yards.

The Rebels forced four turnovers, picking off three of the Blue Devils' six passes Statesboro was outgained in total yards 349-179.

Dennim Fair-Mincey scored the Blue Devils' lone touchdown on a 3-yard return of blocked punt.

The Rebels had two punts blocked and missed three PATs. One of the extra-point tries was blocked.

Effingham County will host Southeast Bulloch next Friday in its first game on its new Sports Turf field.