Coaches, players and fans often refer to football games as “a war.”

Players are known as soldiers, quarterbacks rifle passes and throw the deep bomb and lineman fight in the trenches.

After completing his senior year of high school, Zion Chapel running back Dustin Riggsbee will be dealing with all of the aforementioned analogies, only his experiences will be real.

Riggsbee has already signed his paperwork and will join up with the Marine Corps upon graduation.

He is scheduled to ship out on June 11, 2012.

Riggsbee has been the workhorse in Mike Waters’ run heavy I-formation attack that has rolled up yards on the way to the Rebels being 3-1 for the first time in years.

“We have come together and are starting to play well,” said Riggsbee. “We have to keep getting better each week.”

Even though Riggs, as he is affectionately known as in Jack, is the feature back in the system, he is quick to point out that others make his job easier.

Riggsbee points to Brian Cobb, Brennan Schindler, and Heath Lee as guys who help him “carry the load.”

Lucas Davis, Riggsbee’s position coach, says that Riggsbee is more of “lead by action” person than a vocal leader.

“Dustin runs hard and you don’t have to worry about him dragging his butt around” said Davis. “He is tough to tackle and has been a real blessing to us this year.”

Riggsbee said that it wasn’t as difficult as he anticipated getting his parents to agree with his career choice.

“Mom doesn’t really like it,” said the Rebel running back with a sly grin. “But both her and dad are proud of my decision.”

Waters couldn’t help but smile when discussing the heart of Riggsbee.

“He is a wildman,” said Waters. “He loves to play football and he brings intensity with him every time he is out there. I really enjoy watching him play.”

Riggsbee also said playing for Waters is preparing him for his future endeavors.

“Everything that we do here is based on discipline and accomplishing things as a team and that will help me in the future” said Riggsbee.

Riggsbee will lead the Rebels in to another Friday night battle this week.

Zion Chapel will travel to south Coffee County and tangle with the rival Kinston Bulldogs. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.