SPRINGFIELD — Effingham County will enter the 2019 football season with a nice aresenal of offensive weapons.

D’andre Johnson is one of several dangerous Rebels capable of putting points on the scoreboard. He is currently splitting time at quarterback and wide receiver, a situation he is relishing.

“(Playing both positions) gives me the advantage to see the entire defense from the perspective of a quarterback,” Johnson said. “As a receiver, I know the types of defense I need to be reading and keying on.”

Johnson has high goals for the Rebels, including a Region 2-AAAAAA title. He is enjoying watching the team grow and mature.

“I think it’s going to be our chemistry,” Johnson regarding the key to becoming a region champion. “As of right now, we can go undefeated. We all have been bringing each other up and making each other stronger and better.”

Johnson transferred to Effingham County during his junior season. He credits the Rebels coaches for helping him adjust and become the player he is today.

“I’ve been grateful because they’ve been helping me get better,” he said. “They’ve helped me realize my aspirations. They’ve been my motivation to do my best.”

Johnson saw limited action in 2018 but he expects to be a mainstay this year. He believes he and fellow receiver Randy Scott are going to give opposing defenses trouble.

“If they aren’t covering Randy, then they are covering me,” Johnson said. “And if they aren’t covering me, they are covering Randy. You have to respect us.”

Johnson wasn’t always so confident. He admitted there were a few jitters prior to settling in with his new situation while continuing to work on his football IQ.

“I used to get nervous a lot, especially last year when we first started,” Johnson said. “Over time, my mom started helping me (work on my nervousness). My coaches have been helping with my route tree.”

Effingham County athletes will always be in relentless pursuit of owning their rivalry with South Effingham but there’s another conflict for supremacy brewing in a neighboring county that has Johnson fired up.

“(I look forward to playing) South Effingham because they have a new coach (Nathan Clark) and he came from Lee County, and we lost to them last year (in the playoffs),” Johnson said. “Against Richmond Hill, I don’t know what happened (last year). At the end of the game (won by the Rebels 12-0), it as all mayhem. We are looking forward to bringing home another win (this year).”