Following last week’s loss to Central-Hayneville, Zion Chapel head coach Bradley Bowers gathered his team up in the dressing room, and delivered a simple, but direct message.

“Don’t get down boys, the sun will come up tomorrow.”

Zion Chapel (0-6) is still in search of its first win of the season, and Bowers is still looking for his first as a head coach.

Zion Chapel will board the buses this afternoon and make the short trip to New Brockton in a rare Thursday night rivalry game.

The game is a big one for all involved, and the Rebels want to make it three wins in a row over their friends from the other side of the county.

“It is a rivalry, no doubt,” Bowers said. “But is a good rivalry for both sides. They are always very good, and we have been able to catch them the last two seasons. We have had a decent week of practice, so we will head down there and try to make it three in a row.”

Bowers said that playing against a Jim Bob Striplin coached team is difficulty because Striplin uses a variety of formations.

“He will throw so many different formations and things at you, it makes you wonder how has been able to put all that in,” Bowers said. “Coach Striplin is an excellent football coach. His teams are always well coached, and well disciplined. We will have our work cut out for us.”

Zion Chapel and New Brockton have played 38 times, with the Gamecocks winning 28.

The Rebels have taken the last two in a row.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.