While the scoreboard read 41-7 in favor of the Kinston Bulldogs, Zion Chapel head coach Bradley Bowers feels the game was much closer than that.

The Rebels trailed 14-7 late in the third quarter, before Kinston reeled off 27 points over the final stretch to pull away from their cross-county rival.

“We made some improvement tonight, no doubt,” Bowers said. “Offensively we played as well as I think we could have done in the first half, and the defense came up with some great stops. We just never seemed to get in a good rhythm in the second half. I am proud of the kids, and we will keep working.”

Zion Chapel welcome’s in the Central-Hayneville Lions to Green Memorial Stadium next Friday.

Central is currently on a 76-game winless streak, while the Rebels have lost seven straight games.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.