SAMSON – Zion Chapel’s rally came to end after LaMarcus Adair came up a yard short on fourth-and-2 at the Samson 20-yard line with just over a two minutes remaining.

Samson was able to run out the clock, and ice the game away winning, 17-13.

The Rebel defense turned a strong performance in the loss, only allowing Samson three offensive points and just 199 offensive yards.

“Our kids played really hard all night” said Zion Chapel defensive coordinator Bradley Bowers. “I’m proud of them, but we have to use this as a learning experience and get better.”

Zion Chapel found themselves in a hole to start the second half, after giving to long scoring plays early in the second quarter.

Samson returned a punt 84 yards for the first score of the game, and later picked up a fumble and took it 95 yards to the house.

“We were in this game all night,” said Rebel head coach Mike Waters. “We just gave up too many big plays, but I’m still proud of the fight my guys showed.”

Zion responded quickly in the second half.

LaMarcus Adair found Dustin Riggsbee in the right flats, and the senior turned on the jets and raced down the sideline for a 53-yard touchdown reception.

Samson answered the Rebels by kicking what turned out to be the deciding field goal on its next possession.

Zion would catch a break late in the contest, when Samson fumbled the snap on a first-and-goal play from the Rebel 7. Adair scooped up the ball and advanced back to the 34.

The Rebels cashed in the gift from Samson later on a 13-yard pop pass from Adair to Blake Powell. Zion recovered the onsides kick, before having the drive stall out.

Riggsbee led the Rebel offense with 130 all-purpose yards, and one touchdown. Adair completed only two passes on the night but both went for touchdowns and he finished the night with 74 rushing yards and 64 yards through the air.

Brian Cobb was the leader on defense with 6 ½ tackles on the night. Mickey Cox finished the night with 5 ½ stops. Brandon Cardwell intercepted a pass, and Adair recovered a fumble.

Zion Chapel hits the road once again next Friday night.

The Rebels will travel to Highland Home for another region contest.

“Highland Home is going to be able to move the ball very well” said Waters. “They beat Samson and we will have to be prepared to fight for all four quarters next week, and keep the big plays to a minimum.”