By Jeff Moeller

For the Effingham Herald

 Last week, Effingham County erupted for 42 points in a convincing victory over arch-rival South Effingham. It was not only an emotional one, but one that helped bring them back to respectability after losing two of the season’s first three games.

So, what could Effingham do for an encore? It certainly didn’t take long.

In front of a home crowd, the Rebels routed Glynn Academy, 49-3, and evened their season record at 3-3. They also moved into first place in the 6A Region 2 bracket with a 2-0 record.

Last week against South Effingham, the Rebels rolled up 394 yards and held their rivals to 189 yards. Against Glynn Academy, the Rebels amassed 544 yards, 361 on the ground. 

Quarterback Nate Hayes, who threw for 188 yards with three touchdowns last week, had 183 yards passing and a pair of touchdown passes against Glynn Academy. He connected with Antwaun Parham on a 57-yard score and also found Ryan Wells for a 74-yarder. Hayes rushed for 147 yards and scored twice on touchdown runs of six and 26 yards.

Running back A.J. Butts broke free on scoring runs of 53 and 78 yards, and rushed for 160 yards on the night.

In spite of some stellar individual performances, Rebels’ head coach John Ford focused on a total team effort, which he has seen the past two weeks.

“The whole team has improved each week, and the whole team is playing with a lot of confidence,” said Ford. “We have some guys who are playing well, but this is really a team effort. We have reduced mistakes and are playing complementary football on both sides of the ball. Everyone is flying around, running to the ball. When they prepare well, they play with confidence in that preparation.

Ford also was pleased with his team’s defensive effort for the second consecutive week. They held South Effingham to 189 yards, and stifled Glynn Academy to 133 yards; and only eight yards rushing.

“Our defensive line is playing with great pad level and effort. The linebackers are reading their keys and attacking; the secondary has six or seven guys playing with disciplined eyes and great technique. Coach Pannell and the defensive coaches are doing a fantastic job.”

The Rebels will travel to Grovetown Friday night for a showdown with the Warriors. Grovetown (2-4) is coming off a 42-0 loss to Brunswick last week. However, Ford isn’t taking the Warriors lightly.

 “Grovetown is a well-coached team and athletic,” added Ford. “We have to prepare well. If their athletes get loose, we will have a long bus ride home.”