Senior running back Reante Byrd jumped in the endzone four times to lead Hephzibah over Westside 34-24 in a AAA Regional matchup on Friday, Oct. 16.
Byrd currently leads the Rebels in touchdowns and rushing yards, averaging 98 yards per game.
“He does everything he is supposed to do and is great leader for the other players,” said Hephzibah Coach Daniel Dorsey. “It is great having him on our side.”
After a defensive stop, Byrd scored his first touchdown of the game on a 4-yard rush, making the score 7-0 with 40 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
The Rebels defense continued to stay strong in the first half, holding the Patriots scoreless.
Byrd was able to add his second touchdown of the night, escaping for 60 yards after a swing pass from quarterback Trust Mack as the Rebels led 14-0 at the half.
Hephzibah continued to extend their lead in the second half as Byrd added his third touchdown of the night and Mack rushed the ball in the endzone, making the score 28-0 late in the third quarter.
Despite being down 28-0, Westside continued to fight as Westside quarterback Kaleb Lacarter connected with wide receiver Elliot Jackson for a 34-yard touchdown.
Byrd answered the call for the Rebels on the very next play, breaking away at midfield for his fourth and final touchdown of the night.
The Patriots outscored the Rebels 24-7 in the fourth quarter, but it would be too late as Westside defeated Hephzibah 34-24.
Hephzibah is now 7-1 overall 4-0 in region play for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
“It means a whole lot representing the community and school,” Dorsey said. There is a lot of unity in the community. I think it is a really good positive thing as we go through rest of the season and the playoffs.”
The Rebels will look to extend their winning streak in a matchup against Cross Creek at home next Friday, Oct. 23. Westside falls to 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the region. The Patriots will play at Thomson on Oct. 23.
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. He won three Georgia Press Association sports awards in 2026. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
