The Zion Chapel Rebels are looking to rebound after a tough 2014 season that saw the Rebels finish with a 2-8 record with just a 1-6 record within the region.

Rebels head coach Bradley Bowers hopes that the strides made by his team over the summer will translate into the start of the 2015 season.

“We have a lot of enthusiasm heading into this season,” Bowers said. “We only have two seniors on the team. They have done a great job at providing leadership for us. We have about 30-35 kids that are anxious to get the season started.”

During summer workouts as well as fall practice the Rebels are working hard on forging an identity that portrays toughness, willingness to work and an overall wining attitude.

“What we have tried to do in the offseason is establish an identity,” Bowers said. “One of the things we want to establish is that no matter who we play, we want to be the most physical football team on the football field. Even if we are on offense we want to have the mentality of being physical. We want to be able to run the football and control the clock.

“We want to be sound on defense and be even more physical on the defensive side of the football.”

When it comes to playing defense, fundamentals reign supreme, whether it’s tackling or covering a wide receiver. If you don’t play with the proper techniques you will be in trouble, Bowers said.

“One of things we are going to stress over the next couple of weeks is tackling. That is something that we have had to improve the last two years, so that is going to be our focus on the defensive side of the ball.”

Senior leadership will be important for the Rebels heading into the 2015 season. One of the two seniors on the Rebel’s roster will be starting quarterback Cade Mobley.

“(He) who started 10 games for us last year,” Bowers said. “He is that kid that will manage the team and make sure everyone is lined up where they need to be. He will also make sure we have the right play when we don’t have it called on the sideline. He does a great job. H e is a great leader.”

Chase Peoples also enters 2015 as a senior. Peoples started his sophomore season as a tight end, but after a hand injury he was moved to tackle. After moving back to tight end last season, injuries on the offensive line forced Bowers to once again move Peoples, this time to the guard position.

This season Peoples will start out as running back. “It’s one of those good feel good stories,” Bowers said. “He is a great kid.”

Other than the two seniors, the Rebels are mainly a young football team. There are six freshman, 11 sophomores and five juniors. The Rebels also have one eighth-grader on the roster.

In 2015 The Rebels will play five games in front of their home fans starting on Sept. 11 when they host Calhoun High School. Zion Chapel will play at Pleasant Home in a preseason contest on August 21.