72 Years to First Region Title: Hephzibah Claims GHSA Mark With 74-0 Win

Hephzibah High School secured its first region football title in program history last week, defeating Cross Creek 74-0 on Oct. 20. The win ended a wait that began when the Rebels started their first varsity schedule in 1954. According to the Georgia High School Association's records, no other school in the association's history has taken this many years to claim a first region championship.

Hephzibah athletic director and head coach Daniel Dorsey said the result drew congratulations from across the state. "It's just an exciting moment in the community and the school building and the team," Dorsey said. He said messages arrived from the superintendent, retired coaches, and former players, including some from decades past. A hall of fame banquet held Saturday included players from the 1950s and 1960s. The Rebels finished the regular season with a 7-1 record.

Dorsey took the Hephzibah job in 2020 after coaching stops at Toombs County, Pelham, and Thomasville. An Augusta native, he played football at Westside High School. He has led the program to a 10-1 mark while also serving as athletic director.

The team's offense this season has produced 101 points through two games, according to figures Dorsey provided. He credited the coaching staff and assistant coordinators for building chemistry, and he said a change at defensive coordinator contributed to the difference from last year. Hephzibah's defense allowed no points in the opener and learned during the week to stay competitive on that side of the ball, he said.

Dorsey also pointed to the players he inherited when he arrived. "We stepped in to undercut what they're doing with the team," he said, describing a group with players who started as freshmen and a four-year player who has been getting snaps. He said the team does not offer pieces for others. He also said he has five explosive players with experience on the field.

Hephzibah's 74-0 result stands as the largest margin of victory in the program's history. The Rebels' defense recorded one sack in the game. Dorsey said he believes the community and former players have been part of the building process. "We've been able to beat and be believed back at and at attitude and ball awareness," he said. Hephzibah's 2026 schedule includes games against Burke County, Laney, and Richmond County. The team's 2025 results include a 21-20 loss to Burke County on Sept. 5. Dorsey said he believes the community and the school are part of a moment that belongs to everyone who has been part of the program.