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Scott settles in at linebacker for Mustangs
Larry Scott
South Effingham’s Larry Scott (10) drags Pierce County running back LJ Newton (14) down by the jersey during a 2019 contest in Blackshear. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

GUYTON — Rising senior Larry Scott is prepared to shoulder a heavier workload as the South Effingham football team strives to continue the momentum it gained during its breakout season a year ago.

“It feels great but it’s so much different now because all the responsibility is on our senior group,” Scott said. “We have to build upon last year and do better.”

Scott was the second-leading tackler for the 2019 Mustangs, who posted a 6-5 mark and qualified for the Class AAAAA playoffs. The linebacker had 64 tackles — which ranked second only to Hunter Tindall’s total —  eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception and one touchdown.

He is looking to make an even bigger impact in 2020 as the Mustangs move to Region 2-AAAAAA.

“I just have a really strong love for the game and I never really played defense like that,” Scott said. “That was my first time playing full-time defense and I gave it my all just because I wanted to play.”

 Scott spent two seasons at running back before making the transition to linebacker. It was then he realized he wants to be the hammer instead of the nail.

“I’d rather be the one making the tackle than having to get hit hard,” he said. “I’d rather be the one punishing someone else than getting punished any day of the week.”

A three-year starter, Scott is looking forward to becoming more of a vocal leader, which goes against his reserved nature.

“As a linebacker on defense, linebackers are usually the most talkative ones,” he said. “They have to call everything out. They have to say everything, know everything and be behind the entire defense.”

Even with all the success he had at linebacker, Scott believes there’s still room for improvement.

“I really want to add a lot more acceleration,” Scott said. “From track, I’ve gotten faster. I just want to build on my acceleration and speed, be more versatile and be able to play wherever they need me.”

South Effingham has more returners on defense than offense so Scott knows that he and his mates need to play solidly right from the opening kickoff.

“On defense, we are going to have to step up more, get a lot of stops and force turnovers,” Scott said.