Bradley Bowers has tasted winning before, and that makes him want it even more.

After serving as Zion Chapel’s defensive coordinator in 2011 when the Rebels won eight games, He took over the head coaching spot in 2013, and the team went winless.

Zion lost its preseason game last week against Pleasant Home, but Bowers feels his first win is right around the corner.

“These kids have worked their tail off to get better,” Bowers said. “We saw a couple of things last week that we need to work on and sure up. When we get those fixed, I have no doubt that we will win some games.”

Quarterback Ethan Deal said the team wants to give Bowers his first win more than anything else.

“He has done so much for us over the years,” Deal said. “We just want to give him that feeling of winning. He deserves it.”

Zion opens the regular season Friday night against Providence Christian. Providence is led by head coach Kenny Keith, and the game holds a special significance in the Bowers household.

“Kenny is actually my wife’s first cousin,” Bowers said. “He is a great football coach, and will have his kids ready to play Friday. They play a smash mouth style of football, and we will have to be ready for a physical four quarters on Friday night.”

Turnovers and mental mistakes proved costly in Zion’s preseason defeat at the hands of Pleasant Home. The coaching staff has stressed the importance of the “little things” all week.

“Turnovers and mental errors are very frustrating,” Bowers said. “Everyone one has a job to do on every play and if you don’t do it, you are in a world of hurt. We have done a lot this week to make sure that everyone knows their assignments and knows what he is responsible for on every play.”

Providence leads the all-time series 2-0. The Eagles downed the Rebels 21-18 in 2006 and 35-16 in 2007.

Kickoff for the third-ever meeting between the Rebels and Eagles is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Green Memorial Stadium in Jack on Friday.