G.W. Long dominated the Zion Chapel Rebels in the season opener for both squads.

Long took control early on and never looked back as the blew out Zion 56-12.

The Rebels from Skipperville out gained the Rebels from Jack 409 yards to 269.

Zion Chapel head coach Mike Waters said that he was a firm believer in the game plan the team installed, and is still a believer in it after the game.

“The system we had is a good one,” said Waters. “Coach Bower’s (ZCHS defensive coordinator) and I know it works. We had guys in good positions all night, we just have to make plays.”

Zion was plagued by turnovers throughout the game. From the second quarter to the end of the game, the Rebels had 10 drives. Seven of those drives ended with some sort of turnover. During that stretch, Zion committed four fumbles, threw two interceptions and turned the ball over on downs.

The other three drives ended with two touchdowns and a punt.

Waters said that his team needs to execute better, and results will follow.

“I don’t think that their speed is what hurt us,” said Waters. “We just have to tackle better and get after it. We had some kids struggle tonight, but had some more that stepped up.”

G.W. Long held Zion Chapel’s playmaker, LaMarcus Adair, in check for almost the entire night. Adair finished the night with 59 yards on eight carries, but 38 of the yards were on one scramble.

G.W. Long used big plays to take the commanding lead and kept on racking them up throughout the game. The Long offense used plays of 79, 48 and 23 yards to jump out quick, while the defense from G.W. used a 62 yard fumble return to put a stamp on the season-opening win.

“Big plays will get you down, and they had a pile of them tonight,” said Waters. “We got down a little after their first big play, and they took advantage.

One of the lone bright spots on the night for Zion Chapel was the play of senior Mickey Cox.

Cox garnered 33 yards on four carries, and reeled in Ethan Deal’s 59-yard touchdown pass on the final play from scrimmage. Cox also played defense, and handled the punting duties for Zion Chapel.

“Mick made some mistakes early, but played hard for four quarters,” said Waters. “He didn’t quit and keep going.”

Zion will try to regroup quickly as defending state champion and cross-county rival Elba comes to Jack next Friday night.

Waters said that he expects Elba to come in ready to play, especially after being upset by Opp in week one, 21-20.

“They will have tons of speed, and will be looking to get a win,” said Waters. “We have to be ready to play hard for 48 minutes.”

Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. from Greene Memorial Stadium in Jack.