Zion Chapel preps for Luverne, still in search of season’s first win

Published 10:31 pm Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Fifteen years ago, Zion Chapel head football Bradley Bowers watched his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide win the SEC championship with a 34-7 rout of Florida.

Friday night Bowers will stare across the playing surface of Greene Memorial Stadium, and try to outcoach, the same man that led the Tide to that title, Mike Dubose.

Zion Chapel (0-7) will welcome in Dubose’s No. 7-ranked Luverne Tigers (7-0) to Greene Memorial Stadium Friday night, in search of not only its first win, but also a monumental upset.

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“It is crazy to think that in just 15 years, our paths have crossed,” Bowers said. “He is a fantastic football coach with a long, long list of accomplishments. We will have to play our best game of the year, and have Luverne make some mistakes along the way. But the game is not played on paper, and we look forward to the challenge.”

If the Rebels need inspiration, they only need to look back roughly 365 days.

Last season, Luverne was a heavy favorite against Zion in 2012, but had to edge out a late 29-28 win.

Bowers said he talked with the team earlier in the week and reminded them of last year’s game.

“We reminded them yesterday that ball games are played on paper,” Bowers said. “We will have to play a full four quarters and have a couple of breaks go our way to get the win. Last season, we made plays on offense and were able to stay in the game with them. We have to keep pace with them this season.”

Bowers spoke highly of Luverne quarterback Kentarius Womack, and the Tiger offense.

“We have seen great athletes all season, against G.W. Long, Elba, Central, but Luverne is the best,” said Bowers. “Their quarterback is probably the best we have seen in the last few seasons, and can make plays with his feet.”

The Rebels have big game experience over the past few seasons.

Zion Chapel has played against perennial powers Elba, G.W. Long and Brantley over the past few seasons, and Bowers said that Luverne is right up there.

“They expect to be good at Luverne,” Bowers said. “When Coach Dubose was there his first time, he took them to the state championship game. We have bene on the field with the best teams in the state over the last few seasons, and will do it again Friday. We have to strap up, and come out prepared.

Despite being separated by only 30 miles, Luverne and Zion Chapel have met on the gridiron just one time prior, last year’s one-point win for the Tigers.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Greene Memorial Stadium in Jack.