With a much overdue win under their belts, the Zion Chapel Rebels have a new spring in their step going into their game against Highland Home tonight, according to head football coach Bradley Bowers.

Before last week’s game against Calhoun, Bowers said the team needed to work on being better offensive and defensive players. But, after defeating Calhoun 49-7, Bowers said he had seen a huge change in the way his team is playing. And this week, instead of focusing on field skills the players have focused on their attitudes.

“Probably the biggest thing we worked on this week was making sure we were more focused and attentive at practice,” Bowers said. “We’ve done that this last week, and I have to say the factor behind it was probably coming off that win. When you win, it cures a lot of thing. They carry themselves differently.”

Although they focused on attitudes, Bowers said he had not seen a lack of effort in his players. Instead, that effort was renewed with the win.

“As far as effort goes, we never had any lack of effort or desire,” Bowers said. “It’s kind of like after last week a switch flipped for us. It’s nice to see the hard work you put in start to pay off. The guys are excited. They’ve had a good week of practice.”

Zion Chapel has eight seniors, and Bowers said the team has fed of their energy. Now, he’s hoping those seniors, and the whole team, will get a chance to experience a playoff game.

This year’s seniors were freshmen in 2012, the last time Zion Chapel went to the playoffs. “They got to experience it, but they didn’t really get to experience it,” Bowers said. “I hope and pray that every kid I coach gets to experience that. There’s not another feeling like it. You see all the times you put in. You get rewarded for all that.”

Bowers said the team had worked on creating its own identity.

“I feel like our team is starting to create our own identity,” Bowers said. “That’s what we’re going to do week in and week out. I think Highland Home knows when we line up we’re going to play about six plays, but we’ve worked on being able to run those plays right.”

The Rebels and Flying Squadron will kickoff at 7 p.m. tonight in Green Memorial Stadium.