By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

TERRY — Defending Class 6A state champion George County opened defense of its title over the weekend in fine fashion.

The Rebels thumped Terry at home 11-1 Friday night in just five frames before beating the Bulldogs on the road 8-2 Saturday afternoon to complete the sweep.

The two wins within about 18 hours in the opening round of the Class 6A South State playoffs moved the Rebels into the South State semifinals next week.

On Saturday, Terry actually led 1-0 entering the top of the fourth frame before George County responded with four runs in that inning and two more in each of fifth and sixth stanzas to secure the win.

A two-run double by Ben Davis in that fourth frame rally gave the Rebels their first lead of the day.

Bryce O’Neal wielded the big stick at the plate for GCHS in the series finale, as he collected three hits and drove in a game-high four runs. Tripp Lightsey had three hits, including a double, and Davis had three RBIs. Grant Reeves added two hits to the winning effort, including a double.

Carson Pierce worked four frames on the hill, which was just enough to pick up the pitching win.

On Friday night, at Claude Passeau Field, the series started with the same such scenario as the Bulldogs took a quick 1-0 lead only to see the Rebels bounce back later in the game.

George County tallied five runs in the fourth and six more in the fifth to send everyone home early.

O’Neal also had four RBIs in this one, as well as two hits including a two-run home run to end the game. He also had a double, while Canyon Reeves also had two hits including a double as well. Davis also cracked a double.

Preston McAdory started and worked four frames to earn the win.