SPRINGFIELD, Ga. – Led by reserve quarterback Kris Swinney, Effingham County stayed close to Houston County for a half, but the Bears pulled away in the second half for a 56-42 win in the Rebels’ season opener Friday night.
Swinney stepped in for starter Tucker Perkins, who suffered an ankle injury on the Rebels’ fourth possession.
Swinney directed three straight touchdown drives and finished with three rushing scores and a touchdown pass to Trayvis Hunter.
With the score tied at 35 at halftime, Houston regrouped and outgained Effingham 168 yards to minus-4 in the third quarter, scoring twice to take control.
In the first quarter, Perkins threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Brown and added an 8-yard scoring run.
Effingham County will be back in action next Friday against New Hampstead.