By Donald Heath
Special for the Effingham Herald
STATESBORO – A hot June day in Statesboro didn’t slow down Effingham County High School’s skill football players from getting a full day of practice June 21.
The Rebels competed in a 12-team 7-on-7 tournament hosted by Georgia Southern University. They played a morning game in Paulson Stadium, the home of the Eagles, and played six more times in the pristine and shady Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility.
“There was good competition here. We executed what we put in during the week and got all the way to the championship game,” Rebels wide receiver/defensive back Lamar Roberts said. “It’s only June, but we’ve been putting work in since January with speed training every day. We have time, but in August we have to be ready.”
The 7-on-7 competitions allowed ECHS’ staff to see its players lined up against opposing teams’ schemes without offensive and defensive linemen.
There’s no pass rush, although quarterbacks have to release their throws within five seconds. In the secondary, a defensive back must two-hand touch the receiver to make a stop.
Rebels coach John Ford likes the format and had three 7-on-7’s scheduled within a week. On June 14, ECHS hosted Southeast Bulloch. On June 18, the Rebels attended a multi-team workout in Waycross hosted by Ware County.
A few days later, they were back on the bus to Statesboro.
“We had a lot of good work this week and we got better,” Ford said. “We’re not where we want to be, but I feel good about the work these kids put in.”
There were numerous highlights for the Rebels at GSU. They scored on four straight possessions against Statesboro High. Ryan Wells opened the scoring with a one-handed grab in the endzone.
Tucker Perkins, who hopes to take over for graduated quarterback Nate Hayes, had two perfect throws to Roberts for scores on ECHS’ next two possessions.
Newcomer Daimir Hicks had two interceptions on consecutive possessions.
“Tucker had a good day. He recognized the coverage pretty quickly and put the ball where that first read was. He did it twice,” said Ford about Perkins’ throws to Roberts.
About Hicks, Ford said, “He’s going to be a great one.”
Q King caught the winning score in the final minute to beat Brantley County, 21-14.
Damion Gordon caught two touchdown passes in a 24-9 victory over Northside Warner Robins. Trayvis Hunter sparked the rout by coming down with a 50-50 ball in a crowd on the first play of the game. Noah Reese followed with a TD catch on the next play.
Roberts and Bryson Horton registered interceptions.
Tight end Zack Webb had a scoring reception in a 14-0 win over Southeast Bulloch.
“This was a special day for our kids,” Ford said. “This is a beautiful facility. There are a lot of coaches walking around evaluating kids. With the facility and the environment, it’s been a great experience.”
