SPRINGFIELD — Burke County shot past Effingham County in the fourth quarter of a Friday night contest that featured lots of offensive firepower.

The Bears improved to 4-1 while rolling up 420 rushing yards in a 49-34 victory. The Rebels’ Zach Garcia threw for 297 yards and four touchdown passes in defeat.

Randy Scott hauled in two of Garcia’s scoring tosses and finished with 241 receiving yards on seven grabs.

“Randy played well on both sides of the ball and was a warrior for our team,” Holder said. 

The Rebels (1-4) overcame an early deficit to force a 21-21 tie in the third quarter and a 28-28 deadlock in the final period.

“We were very excited with their performance,” Holder said.

Garcia saw encouraging signs, too.

“I cannot express how proud I am of how hard our entire team fought as one unit during Friday’s game,” he said. “My stats wouldn’t look like they do without the phenomenal receivers or hard-working offensive line that I have backing me up. My offensive line stepped up and told me before the game that they had my back. They proved it, showing a lot of heart and character during Friday’s game.

“Though the game didn’t end in our favor, I can say that I have never been as proud of our team as I was Friday night. No, the season has not started the way we wanted it but we trust our coaches to teach us what we need to know to succeed.”

The Rebels will play host to winless Beaufort (S.C.) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The game was originally slated Sept. 6 but was postponed because of Hurricane Dorian.

 This contest will be Effingham County’s last one before Region 2-AAAAAA play begins Oct. 11 at Bradwell Institute. 

“We are looking to build on this performance ...,” Holder said.