When region schedules start, the pressure cranks up.
    That’s even more true when it’s a player’s first varsity start.
    Tuesday night, the Statesboro boys faced off against Effingham County in their first Region 2-AAAA matchup of the season. Before the game, SHS coach Nick Thrower turned to sophomore goalkeeper Drew Funk and gave him the nod to start in goal.
    Funk stopped 10 shots to help the Devils clinch a 4-2 victory, their first this season. Afterward, Thrower awarded “Man of the Match” honors to the sophomore.
    “It was exciting to get out there and play,” Funk said. “I was a little nervous before the game, but I settled down. Once things got started, it was just like any other game.”
    The win was an important step for the Devils. Last season, the addition of Evans, Lakeside and Greenbrier, all Augusta powerhouses, to the sub-region kept SHS out of the state tournament.
    That’s something the Devils want to change.
    “I think that we can be a good team and go far,” Funk said. “But we’ve still got a long way to go and some tough teams to play.”