SPRINGFIELD, Ga. – Effingham County and South Effingham will add another chapter to their softball rivalry when they meet today at 6:30 p.m. in Springfield.

It’s the second game of the season for the Rebels, who played Metter Tuesday, and the opener for the Mustangs.

Score Atlanta listed ECHS fourth and SEHS fifth in its preseason Class 5A Top 10 softball rankings.

“It’s a game that’s highlighted and starred on my calendar,” said Rebel senior center fielder Gabie Hill.

Over the last three years, both teams have advanced to the Georgia High School Association’s Elite Eight tournament in Columbus, which determines the state champion.

Last season, ECHS (24-6 in 2024) eliminated the Mustangs 12-4 and eventually finished fourth in the tournament. In 2023, South Effingham won a 2-1 thriller in 10 innings to eliminate the Rebels.

Last year marked the first season the teams competed in different subregions, so they didn’t face off during the regular season. Both won their subregions and met in the region tournament final, where the Mustangs (25-7) won a wild 8-5 showdown on Alyssa Martin’s three-run homer in the eighth inning to capture their third straight region title.

ECHS and SEHS will meet again Sept. 3 in Guyton.

Football

ECHS travels to Wayne County for scrimmage

 Effingham County will visit Wayne County on Thursday night for a preseason football scrimmage in Jesup. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Rebels (6-5 last season) will then have a bye week before hosting Houston County in their season opener on Aug. 22.

Wayne County struggled in 2024, finishing 1-9, but returns most of its statistical leaders.

SEHS hosts scrimmage against Screven County

 South Effingham will look to build momentum heading into the football season when it hosts Screven County for a preseason scrimmage Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Corral.

The game will mark the football debut of the Mustangs’ expanded stadium, which now seats about 7,200. Graduation was held there in May.

SEHS (0-10 last season) meets an opponent that finished 4-6 in Class A Division II. The Gamecocks relied on running back AB Hilton, who rushed for more than 800 yards in 2024.

Volleyball

SEHS opens with tough tri-match

 South Effingham’s volleyball team faces a tough challenge to open the season when it takes on Class 5A, Region 1 North powerhouse Lakeside during a tri-match at Statesboro High on Thursday.

The Mustangs (21-16 in 2024) will meet a Lakeside team that finished 35-9-1 and won the region championship. Game time is 6 p.m.

SEHS will play Statesboro in the nightcap at 7 p.m.

ECHS hosts season-opening tri-match
 After losing nine seniors from a record-setting 30-win team, Effingham County will begin rebuilding Thursday by hosting Camden County and Islands in a tri-match.

Both Camden and Islands advanced to their respective state tournaments in Class 6A and 3A last season.

ECHS opens against Camden County at 5 p.m. and closes the night with Islands at 7 p.m.