By Donald Heath

Special for the Effingham Herald

SPRINGFIELD – Credit the Effingham County Rebels for staging one of the most amazing rallies in recent memory last Friday night against visiting New Hampstead.

The Rebels scored 41 points in less than 16 minutes to make a 30-point deficit disappear like a David Copperfield illusion.

But if you’ve ever seen the magician’s show, the Statue of Liberty, which he makes vanish, eventually reappears.

Unfortunately for ECHS, New Hampstead had its lead back in 90 seconds and the Rebels had a grim reality – a 47-44 loss to the Phoenix.

The shootout setback followed a 44-41 season-opening defeat to Houston County and the defense won’t get a breather this Friday night when the Brunswick Pirates, who are averaging 45 points a game, come to town to begin Region 1-5A play.

“Every week is a season in its own and each week you reset whether you played good or bad,” ECHS coach John Ford said. “I’m not of the (mindset) that the last two weeks will destroy their confidence.”

But the Rebels (0-2) will have to tighten up defensively. New Hampstead receivers easily created separation and quarterback Rashawn Truell played pitch and catch with his receivers most of the night while passing for 466 yards and five touchdowns. His favorite target, Kamari Mitchell, had 15 catches for 283 yards and five touchdowns.

A Truell-to-Mitchell scoring toss of 46 yards was the game-winner with 36.6 seconds left.

But who would have believed the game would come down to the seven-play, 75-yard drive? 

The Phoenix seemed unstoppable while building a 33-3 lead after Truell’s 2-yard quarterback sneak with 6:58 remaining in the third quarter.

“We had to change our game plan. We had to throw the ball more,” ECHS running back Jmere Doe-Davis said.

The strategy worked and the Rebels staged something usually only seen in video games. Quarterback Tucker Perkins threw for 350 yards during the last 19 minutes and Doe-Davis accounted for five touchdowns – two through the air (66 and 51 yards) and three on the ground (from 21, 5 and 5 yards out).

The sophomore finished with four catches for 124 yards and 12 carries for 82 yards.

“Jmere is a special ballplayer. He ran the ball well and he caught the ball and made big plays. He was dynamic,” Ford said.

Perkins, who threw for 378 yards against Houston County, finished the New Hampstead game with 376 passing yards and two scores.

“Tucker has a big arm and athleticism. He has a chance to be among the best quarterbacks in the state,” Ford said. 

ECHS’ other touchdown came when Kris Swinney blocked a punt and returned the loose ball five yards for a score.

“We lost the game in the first quarter and the first five minutes of the third quarter,” Ford said. “We have to come out with better opening execution, but it was a great (rally) by the kids.” 

The Rebels’ spurt provided moments for the stadium’s new lights to shower their flickering approval to the suddenly engaged big crowd.

Doe-Davis’ 5-yard TD got the Rebels within three, 40-37, with 4:51 to go and, after a rare defensive stop, another Doe-Davis 5-yard TD run put ECHS ahead 44-40 with 2:02 to play.

After New Hampstead went ahead, Perkins’ Hail Mary was caught by Lamar Roberts at the Phoenix 10 as time expired.

“We scheduled these hard games to get ready for the region,” Doe-Davis said. “We’re going to come back and be ready next week (against Brunswick).”