The Rebels fought back from a 14-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to force overtime at home against GHSA Region 3-AAAA foe Evans.

But Effingham County's luck ran out as the Rebels were unable to capitalize on their fourth quarter heroics as the Knights intercepted a pass in the end zone, sealing the 34-28 Evans' victory.

"We played hard (but) we seemed to shoot ourselves in the foot," Effingham County coach Jack Webb said. "We were down and we fought back to tie it up. I was proud of the way we kept fighting."

Although Effingham County (2-3, 2-2 in 3-AAAA) enjoyed a 14-7 halftime lead, that advantage quickly evaporated. The Knights (4-0, 3-0) went on a 21-0 scoring tear, led by quarterback Kevin Millward.

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"We played like crud in the first half," Evans head coach Marty Jackson said. "We went into halftime mad."

Still, Evans watched as Effingham County executed a comeback from a 28-14 deficit in the fourth quarter. The Knights first scored with 6:19 to play as Raymond Hines, who finished with 84 yards on 13 carries, scored from 11 yards out. Eric Maxwell's kick made it 28-21.

After a failed fake punt attempt by Evans, the Rebels went 55 yards on 10 plays before Chris Hamilton, who led Effingham County with 124 yards on 19 carries, scored from the 4-yard line with 8.9 seconds remaining.

"I told the team to be ready for overtime," Jackson said. "I told them to fight their butts off."