Ragin’ Rebels

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Zion Chapel Rebels came into a game against Keith starring and a possible 0-4 start last Friday night.

However, thanks to an offensive explosion, the Rebels would be able to turn what could have been disaster intro triumph.

ZCHS went on to beat the Bears 39-26, ending a three game losing streak and, potentially, save the season in the process.

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“You could just kind of see it coming,” Zion Chapel head coach Mike Waters said.

“We are a long way out still, but Friday night’s win was very big for us.”

The Rebels weren’t able to relish in their victory for very long however.

“I told them [on Friday], enjoy the next two days but leave this win behind because we are going back to work on Monday and focusing on ways to get ready for our next game.”

That next game the coach was referring to is the Kinston Bulldogs, who are 1-3.

“Our team has taken a very business like approach this season,” Waters said.

“We have worked the team hard every week to get better and they have responded well to it.”

“Winning breeds confidence,” he added.

Like Zion Chapel, Kinston comes into the game coming off its first win of the season, a 52-20 win over Florala.

“[Kinston] is coming off a big victory and like us, will have be playing with a lot of confidence – especially since they at home,” Waters said.

Despite the victory, the Rebels coach said that this week would be no different from how the team usually prepares for games

“We have been working on Zion Chapel so far this week, getting things ready for what is to come,” Water said.

“Offensively, I think we are playing the football that we are capable of playing.

“Defensively, I feel like we could be playing better – there are a lot of things we need to fix,” he said.

Due to injuries suffered this season, Waters has had to use first time starters on the defense – something that plagued the Rebels all season long.

The defense has allowed 112 points in four games this season, compared to the 59 points the offense has scored.

“It’s not a personnel deal,” Waters said. “It all comes down to discipline.”

“We are going to figure it all out – it’s a work in progress.”

As far as Bulldogs, Waters said several things jumped out to him while viewing tape.

“[Kinston] runs a different offense and defense then we have seen all season, so that is going to present some problems for us.

“Hopefully, we will be able to do what we are supposed to do though – its going to be a quite a challenge for us,” Waters said.

One of the things the Rebels do well is run the football.

Quarterback Lance Walden and running back Wesley Black have carried much of the load, rushing for 231 yards and 322 yards respectively.

“We are going to use [Blank and Walden] as much as we can,” Waters said. “They both have been big parts of our season.”

The Rebels will look to make it two-in-a-row on Friday when they hit the road to Kinston.

The kickoff is schedule for 7 p.m.