By PATRICK JONES

The Natchez Democrat

PINEVILLE, La. — What was supposed to have been a marquee match-up between the No. 1 ranked team in MAIS Class A and one of the top teams in Class AA turned into a rout as the Adams County Christian School Rebels defeated the University Academy of Cenla Lions 46-14 Friday night.

After University Academy scored less than a minute into the game, ACCS responded with a quick scoring drive that was capped off by a Lester Wells’ 29-yard touchdown pass to Trey Fleming with 10:55 to go. Wells ran in for the 2-point conversion to give the Rebels an 8-6 lead.

“They scored on the third play of the game. After that, we dominated,” head coach David King said. “My kids were up for the occasion. I was very proud of the defense. We were very physical offensively and defensively.”

Torrey Smith scored on a 5-yard run with 8:30 to go in the opening quarter for a 14-6 Rebel lead. Just over two minutes later, Fleming picked off a pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown for a 20-6 advantage.

ACCS wasn’t done putting points on the scoreboard in the first quarter. Wells scored on a 41-yard run with 18 seconds left and Wade Simpson’s extra point made it a 27-6 game.

The Rebels scored twice in the second quarter, first on a 44-yard pass from Carlos Woods to Fleming with 2:40 left and then on a 24-yard pass from Woods to Smith as they went into halftime with a commanding 40-6 advantage.

When the Rebels’ offense wasn’t on the field, the defense kept a high-powered Lions offense in check for most of the game.

“We were able to match their speed and physicality. We swarmed to the ball. We gang tackled, which we had to have considering the speed of their backs,” King said. “We played as good defensively as we have since I’ve been here.”

Wells scored the final touchdown for ACCS on a 4-yard run with 1:38 to go in the third quarter, giving the Rebels a 46-6 lead. University Academy scored a touchdown and added the 2-point conversion with 5:42 remaining in the ball game.

“It was a total team effort. It was a good win for us,” King said. “We did good in special teams. We had two interceptions.”

Woods ended up 4-for-5 passing for 100 yards with one interception. Wells had nine carries for 41 yards, one catch for 30 yards and five tackles on defense. Smith had six carries for 33 yards, one catch for 24 yards and eight tackles.

Fleming completed one pass for 30 yards and had three catches for 100 yards. Chisum Mardis had 11 carries for 32 yards and was the team’s leading tackler with 10. Three of Zach Pintard’s five tackles were sacks.

ACCS (4-1) will have its MAIS District 5-AA opener next Friday at 7 p.m. when it visits Prentiss Christian School.