BC (2-4) vs. South Effingham (3-3)

The Cadets have come apon their biggest game of the year. Many of the state's biggest rivalries are being played this weekend and recently the Mustangs have become the Cadets number 1 rival. I don't think there has ever been as many intriguing story lines for a contest that involves two teams that are at or below.500. The fans from both schools have really adopted this game the last few years. Not only football, but many of the region championships in other sports have come down to these two schools. The importance of this game in the region standings is huge. With both teams winning last week, each enter 1-0 in sub-region play. The winner of this contest will be technically 2 games ahead of the other by owning the tiebreaker. But the story that trumps them all is the return of Mr. Herndon. He is credited with buliding their program from ground up. However, some of the Mustang supporters were not happy with the coach for leaving Guyton for a sub-region competitor. Even if it was for his alma mater. Either way, emotions will be running high as South tries to avenge an upset loss at the Corral from a year ago.

Via BC newsletter:

First year coach Greg Manior takes over the reigns of the Mustangs after Coach Bob Herndon returned to Benedictine to coach his alma mater. South Effingham, a team which had never been to the playoffs, has developed into a playoff caliber team. Under Herndon’s leadership, the Mustangs saw the postseason in each of his four years with a record of 30-14 (.681). The ties between the two schools remain strong, with Sean Coburn, a 1992 Benedictine graduate, joining the Mustangs coaching staff this season. South Effingham is loaded with talent with 10 college prospects, 13 returning starters and 21 seniors on the roster. The Mustangs offense has changed from a traditional wishbone attack to a more spread Wing T approach. South Effingham has relied on the steady play of junior quarterback Justin Hamilton to manage the Mustang offense, which is averaging 16.3 points per game. On the ground, the bulk of the carries are going to senior halfback Andre Warner and junior fullback Gage Marks. On defense, the Mustangs will line up in a 4-4. They return 7 starters from last year’s squad led by a group of senior defensive backs: Greg Baker, Willie Thompson, TJ Washington and Keifer Youmans. The defensive line is anchored by another college prospect in Asa Wright who takes up a lot of space in the middle.

Players to Watch: South Effingham Mustangs
#9 TJ Washington DB (6-0, 180, 4.6) Sr
#10 Dan Martin WR (6-1, 175, 4.6) Sr
#12 Jeff Hamilton QB (5-10, 160, 4.9) Jr
#18 Nick Gulizia TE (6-2, 185, 4.8) Sr
#21 Michael Claxton LB (5-10, 180, 4.6) Sr
#22 Willie Thompson DB (5-9, 170 4.6) Sr
#33 Andre Warner RB (5-10, 175, 4.5) Sr
#35 Gage Marks RB (6-0, 215, 4.8) Jr
#71 Sean Smith OT (6-4, 275, 5.1) Sr
#77 Asa Wright DT (6-2, 265, 5.0) Sr


The BC defense is coming off their most impressive performance of the year led by a good night from Junior Cole Rossiter. However, South Efiingham is not Hephzibah and brings a Wing-T attack that is capable of moving the ball very effectively. BC has been quite vulnerable to teams that are committed to the run. Just like every week, the Cadet defense has to limit the big plays and force the Mustangs to the drive the length of the field. Last year the Cadets put forth their best effort of the year on defense and will need to do the same this year. On offense everybody in the county of Effingham will know what is coming. With Herndon coming back and Coach Mainor knowing his tendencies, there will be a game within the game when the Cadets have the ball. T.J. Telfair will need to continue his hard running behind the O-Line which will hopefully create more opportunities for Collins in the open field. I don't expect to see one play decide the game as it did last year, but setting up the big plays will be a factor. Special teams cost the Mustangs last year in this matchup and will no doubt be key once again. Winning two straight years at the Corral is a difficult task. Coach Herndon won't say it, but you have to think he wants this one more than any other. It should be a good atmosphere and hopefully the Cadet faithful will show up in strong number. (Guyton isn't far!). The Cadets find some of that same magic from last year and do it in OT. Benedictine- 21 South Effingham-20