GUYTON — Jeff Faith got the plaque but others received the credit for him being named the Region 2-AAAAA athletic director of the year.

"I just have fantastic coaches," Faith said at halftime of Saturday's girls basketball between Richmond Hill and the Lady Mustangs at South Effingham. "I have incredible coaches who uphold the integrity of their programs."

Faith heaped praise on others, too.

"Our parents and the athletic staff deserve credit," he said. "I have a phenomenal athletic staff with (administrative secretary)Mrs. (Lori) Farley. All that together is what, I guess, aided toward the giving of that award."

Faith, who also lauded Mustang athletes, has been South Effingham's athletic director for four years. This is his first time being honored by his 2-AAAAA counterparts.

"It's great to be honored by your peers," he said. "I have wonderful mentors with the other ADs in the region, particularly David Shields (of Ware County) and Chad Prosser (of Statesboro. They have been ADs for awhile so they kind of help me out with a lot of things. Ken Cribbs at Wayne County is doing a good job, too. He has kind of guided me a little bit with some things. 

"They all bring some experience to the table."

Faith is facing his most challenging time as athletic director. He started a search for a head football coach in November following the resignation of Donnie Revell, whose team won just four of its last 32 games.

In addition, head softball coach Chuck Smith and head volleyball coach Jennifer Cribbs relinquished their posts recently, citing family reasons.

South Effingham won the Region 2-AAAAA All-Sports Trophy for the 2017-18 school year. The award is handed out annually based on the total number of points a school receives for its placings in every sport.