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Region title in Rebels' reach following last-second win over Devils
Rebels logo
Effingham Herald
Published: Oct 30, 2021, 2:57 AM

By Donald Heath

Special for the Effingham Herald

SPRINGFIELD -- Luis Meza's 22-yard field goal as time expired gave Effingham County a thrilling 34-31 win over Statesboro on Friday night, clinching a spot in the state tournament for the first time since 2018.

The Rebels (6-2, 4-1 Region 2-AAAAAA) positioned themselves for another landmark goal -- a first region championship since 1995 -- if they can beat Brunswick next Friday at Rebel Field.

Meza's field goal capped a frenzied ECHS comeback. The Rebels scored 13 points in the final 5:33 after falling behind 31-21.

Quarterback Matthew Ford completed 25 of 35 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. Ford had scoring passes of 13 yards (to Miquel Allen), 26 yards (to Timmy Brown) and 10 yards (to Ashley Thompson).

Allen also scored on a 3-yard run.

ECHS dominated the fourth quarter, outgaining Statesboro 136-0 in total yards during the final 12 minutes.

The Blue Devils seemed to gain control of the back-and-forth affair with an interception return in the final minute of the third quarter and a long fumble return midway through the fourth quarter.

But trailing 31-21, Allen capped a 64-yard scoring drive with a 3-yard TD run and with less than two minutes remaining Meza booted a 29-yard field goal.

SHS fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Messiah Bacon recovered at the 13, setting the stage for the seventh lead change of the game on Meza's game-winning kick.   
Drone Captures Effingham's Rivalry Night at The Corral
Rebels vs. South
As the first quarter began at The Corral, the sun dipped low, painting the sky in brilliant reds and golds — a perfect backdrop for the Mustangs–Rebels rivalry. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)
Updated: Sep 20, 2025, 4:58 PM
Published: Sep 20, 2025, 1:34 PM

Guyton, Ga. — Effingham Herald photo freelancer Birk Herrath took Rivalry Night to new heights — literally. As the game began, he launched a drone high above The Corral to capture sweeping views of the upgraded stadium as fans began to file in.

It was a beautiful night for football, and the aerial photos show the Mustangs–Rebels matchup like you’ve never seen it before — bold, striking, and eye-popping from every angle. The Rebels capped the night with a 49-21 win over South Effingham.

Rebels vs. South
The drone climbs higher, giving a sweeping panoramic view of the stadium as Rivalry Night comes into full focus. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)

Rebels vs. South
The drone dips lower to capture the Marching Mustangs of South Effingham High School performing on the field during the Rivalry Night festivities. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)

Rebels vs. South
Both teams line up and prepare to burst through their banners — South Effingham in the upper left, Effingham County in the lower right — as the game gets underway at The Corral. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)