Mike Waters and the rest of the Zion Chapel Rebel coaching staff had wanted a night like Friday for several weeks.

Zion Chapel played what Waters called “out most complete game all year” in a 27-7 homecoming win over rival New Brockton.

The Rebels took advantage of two quick Gamecock turnovers at the start of the second half, and never looked back the rest of the night.

“Those two turnovers at the start of the second were big, and I mean huge,” said Waters. “We were able to take control of the ball game there, and control the pace the rest of the night. We got off to a little bit of slow start, but the defense played tough and we tackled better tonight than we have all year.”

Linebacker Terry Flowers stripped Aubrey Bryant of the ball, and Matt Winters fell on the loose football to set the Rebels up in prime scoring position. Two plays later Brennan Schindler took a speed sweep around left end to give Zion a two score lead.

Mickey Cox intercepted a Gamecock pass on the ensuing possession, and later scored an on 20 yard dive play, that broke the game open.

Cox led the Rebels on both sides of the football with 82 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries. Cox also racked up three tackles on defense, and recorded the interception. The two touchdowns iced the game away late for Zion.

“He is our alpha dog, I guess,” said Waters with a smile. “He plays hard and gives everything he has, even though he is playing hurt.”

Waters was also impressed with the progression of sophomore quarterback Ethan Deal. Waters said that the youngster “gets better every week” and was happy with the decisions Deal made in the win.

Zion Chapel has been plagued by turnovers this season, but had only one on Friday night, an interception that Waters takes the blame for.

“I take all responsibility for that interception,” said Water. “It was a bad call on my part.”

The win moves Zion Chapel to 4-3, and 3-2 in region play, and one step closer to the magical fourth region win. A fourth region win for the Rebels would mean, barring upsets in the last two weeks of region play, a second straight trip to the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs. The last time Zion went to the playoffs in back to back years was 2004 and 2005.

“I told the kids earlier this week, that we had to win this one, before we could worry about the next one,” said Water. “Coach Les (Sanders, of Goshen) is a great friend of mine and they are playing great football right now. It will be tough next week.”

Zion travels to Luverne next Friday night.