Soft-spoken Heller still the Effingham County High football team's center of attention
SPRINGFIELD — Last football season, Effingham County High center Rett Heller suffered an injury to his right hand which required a cast.
Most right-handers would have missed playing time. But Heller stayed in the lineup by teaching himself how to snap with his left hand.
“I saw that when I watched film when I first got here and I knew he was a good player,” ECHS coach John Ford said. “To me, that tells you what this school, what this team, what this family means to him. He’s made of the right stuff.”
Heller fits snuggly into Ford’s definition of a typical offensive linemen: “usually men of few words, but men of action.”
When asked about lining up against bigger nose tackles, the 6-foot, 260-pound senior shrugged and said, “I just snap the ball and go hit him.”
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It’s a strategy that helped Heller earn all-region honorable mention accolades a year ago.
This year, he’s the middle cog in a multiple, balanced offensive attack that has averaged 18 points through the first five games and avenged 2020 losses to Lakeside (Evans) and Howard.
The Rebels averaged only 11.6 points a game a year ago.
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The Rebels improved to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Region 2-6A play with a 20-14 win at Glynn Academy last Friday. ECHS hopes the improved offense continues against Bradwell Institute on Friday, Oct. 22, in Hinesville.
“I remember last year they were physical and they didn’t back down,” Heller said. “They played with some heart.”
Ford says he sees a similar Tigers squad under coach Deshon Brock.
But Bradwell will see a slightly different ECHS under Ford. The Rebels like to spread out their opponents with short passes and use the running game with Xayvier Coppock and Miquel Allen to power between the tackles.
To make things work, the line has to execute. Heller and right tackle Nic Silva-Brown are the lone seniors amid juniors Desmond Montgomery (left tackle), Josh Kleckkauskas (left guard) and Trey Gordy (right guard). Another junior, Blaine Jackson, sees time at tackle as well.
“(Heller) is kind of the bell cow for the offensive line and he does a great job,” Ford said. “It’s a young line and a lot of guys were on the JV team last year, but I love the way they work. I love the way they compete.”
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Against South Effingham, ECHS used 10 runs during a 12-play, 68-yard scoring drive to end the first half. To start the second half, the Rebels used three straight passes en route to a score.
But there was one constant.
“(Snapping the ball) is the first thing that happens,” Heller said. “If you don’t get a good snap, the play is probably not going to function like it’s supposed to.”