By Donald Heath

Special for the Effingham Herald

SPRINGFIELD – Effingham County football coach John Ford won't compare high school football with the pros. A 100-yard field, four downs to pick up a first down, that's about it.

So when 30 seniors graduated from the football team, what could Ford do to keep his team among the region's elite?

"We were sad to see (the seniors) go but at the same time we understand the time frame," he said. "This isn't the NFL. You don't sign contract extensions. There's no free agency. You have kids for four years and you develop the ones you have."

In other words – rise and grind.

"I love the kids who are here right now. I'm excited to see them cut loose this season," said Ford, whose squad opens the season Aug. 18 at Rebel Field against Richmond Hill.

A year ago, the Rebels had a season filled with milestones, finishing 7-4, posting a seven-game winning streak – the longest for the program since 1995 – and defeating Glynn Academy in Brunswick for the first time since 2003.

For the second straight year, ECHS came within three points of defeating Brunswick High for the region title.

But that was last year. The Rebels still have some key weapons returning, and experience in big games never hurts.

As a junior last year, Nate Hayes, Jr., was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the area, throwing for 1,658 yards and 14 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. He also ran for 308 yards and 4 scores.

"The experience going through 11 games last year, it seems like he's more at home with the offense," Ford said. "There's a higher comfort level going into Game 1 this year as opposed to last year."

Running back Jayden Evans complemented the passing attack with 1,125 yards and 7 TDs on the ground. Evans had six 100-yard games.

Incoming transfer A.J. Butts adds more running prowess. He accumulated 667 yards and 15 TDs on the ground last season while helping Calvary Day in Savannah to the second round of the state playoffs.

A key to the offense, however, will be the development of the offensive line, which returns only one starter – center Brady Meglan.

Left tackle Trace Wright, left guard Darnell Washington, Meglan, right guard Barry Randolph and right tackle Josh Ford are fighting for playing time with guard Peyton Stafford and tackle Floyd Quarterman.

"Football is the greatest team game because it takes all 11 to work together on every snap," Coach Ford said. "There's no quarterback or running back (putting up good numbers) without an offensive line."

Depth at the skill positions will be a team hallmark, Ford said. You'll need a scorecard to keep track of the wide receiver/defensive back hopefuls who go 10 deep. Zach Gant, Gary Cooper, Antwan Parham and Noah Reese will be competing at the X position (lining up left of the tight end).

Ryan Wells, JR McKenzie and DJ Meyers are the leading candidates to win a slot position and Lamar Roberts, Ty Ergle and Q King will push for the Z position (right of tight end).

Te'andre Watkins and Damion Gordon provide depth at running back.

Defensively, Butts teams with Bryson Horton to form a strong one-two inside linebacking punch. Butts had 58 tackles and 4 sacks. Horton, a second-team, all-region performer, is ECHS' leading returning tackler with 63 stops and 5 sacks.

Joe Polite and Christian Dillon are keys upfront. Meaz Cope and Watkins patrol outside linebackers and DJ Bartley and Jamare Williams add to the defensive back logjam.

Ford said Mason Lein and Gage Brooks will battle for the placekicking chores and Wells and Jared Jones have their sights on starting punter.

"We have four non-region games and a scrimmage (before region play) so we'll see how it all shakes out," Ford said.