Portal, Statesboro win in 11th annual Erk Russell Classic

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - As Georgia Southern University continues to make a push to get legendary Coach Erk Russell into the College Football Hall of Fame, the annual pair of games in his name were played Saturday night.

Weather delayed the start to the 11th annual Erk Russell Classic inside Georgia Southern’s Paulson Stadium.

It proved to be no problem for the Portal Panthers- they took game one over the Twiggs County Cobras 47-0. After three winless seasons, the Panthers are off to a 2-0 start.

“It’s just a tremendous feeling for our team, our community and our coaching staff, our school building, just everyone has gotten behind us. Great support and it’s great to see smiles on faces at the end of these contests now,” said Portal Head Football Coach Jason McEachin.

The Panthers host Robert Toombs Christian Academy Thursday at 7:30 P.M.

Game two was an all-Bulloch County affair, as the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets and Statesboro Blue Devils squared off.

Statesboro scored early and often, winning the game 56-14. The Blue Devils won in the Erk Russell Classic in 2021 as well.

The Blue Devils (1-1) host Effingham County Friday at 7:30 P.M. SEB (0-2) has a bye week next, and then will travel to Effingham County.

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