The Effingham County Rebels had to come from behind but they did in order to beat Liberty County High School Friday 35-34.
It was the Panthers’ first football loss of the season.

The game was a barn-burner from the get-go with the score tied 14-14 just shy of half time. The Liberty team took a strong stance and the offense scored to go up 21-14 by intermission.
The battle was furious with neither team backing down from the challenge.

The Liberty boys were up 28-14 with seven minutes left in regulation
But the Rebels weren’t about to call it quits during their Homecoming game. They also wanted to be the team to down the undefeated Panthers.
They fought and soon tied the game at 28 with just seconds to spare and forcing overtime.

In overtime the Rebels hit pay dirt first and took the 35-28 lead. Liberty responded with a touchdown but fell short when they went for the two-point conversion.
Once again it was Panther quarterback Jaalon Frazier who led the team despite the loss. He rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns.

He also completed a 14 yard touchdown pass to Willie Roberts and a 26 yard touchdown pass to Dylan Stewart. Frazier was 13-of-24 for 169 passing yards in the game.
Sophomore Kris Coleman was second on the team in rushing with 52 yards.

Richard LeCounte had three receptions for 60 yards. Elisha Polite had five receptions for 30 yards. Liberty is now 4-1 as they set to open region 2-AAA play Friday at Tattnall County. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.