In the midst of a four-game skid and hampered by injuries, Adams Christian has something to smile about.

The Rebels are in the playoffs and will play at Madison-Ridgeland Academy Nov. 14 in the first round of the Division II playoffs. The Rebels still have two more games to play, including Friday’s home contest against Parklane, but losses by Central Private and Copiah Academy last week helped AC get in heading into Week 10 of the MPSA season.

And there still is a glimmer, albeit small, of hope for the Rebels.

&uot;If we were to beat Parklane and Lamar was to lose their last three games, we would win it,&uot; ACCS head coach Keith Walters said. &uot;But the chances of that happening are the same as (MSU athletic director) Larry Templeton calling me asking if I wanted to take Jackie Sherrill’s place at State. It just isn’t going to happen. But they’re proud of this. It’s the first time in a while they’ve made the playoffs. It’s an accomplishment.&uot;

The Rebels come into the contest at 2-3 in District 2-AAA and Lamar sitting in first at 2-1 in the South Division II standings. Parklane, meanwhile, is fighting for its playoff life at 1-2 behind Jackson Prep and Hillcrest &045; both of whom are 4-0 and fighting for the top two spots.

The Rebels finish their district schedule Friday and finish the regular season Oct. 31 at home against Silliman before taking Nov. 7 as an open date with everyone else in the district playing their last game.

The last two dates may help the Rebels get over some injuries. Already with two players out for the season, the Rebels have linemen Zach Jones out with a knee and James Sullivan with out with a broken hand and separate shoulder (not on the same arm). Running back Luke Ogden is doubtful with a knee injury and a stomach virus.

Fullback/linebacker David Barnes has been sick for two weeks, and Timmy Foster has a bruised elbow.

&uot;At practice (Monday) we were really banged up and beat up,&uot; Walters said. &uot;We had 20 kids at practice yesterday &045; we’re that beat up, and that’s not enough to play triple-A. We’ve got to step up and play. In the first three or four games we didn’t have any injuries at all. It just happens that way sometimes.&uot;

Who the Rebels have healthy and available to play Friday may go a long way in determining how they stack up against the Pioneers. Still one of the more solid teams in Class AAA each year, the Parklane has struggled some this year due to its tough schedule.

The Pioneers have lost to both Jackson Prep and Jackson Academy and dropped a hard-fought contest to Oak Forest earlier in the season.

&uot;They didn’t have the year they wanted to have, but if you look at who they played and the scores, they’re very competitive,&uot; Walters said. &uot;They’ve played everybody real tough except JA and Prep. They’ve got a good program over there. You don’t win five state championships without doing something right.&uot;

The Rebels still have to find a spark on offense after struggling to score points in recent game. They had just one touchdown last week in a loss to Lamar, and that score came in the fourth quarter on an Ogden run.

The score was their first rushing touchdown in four games after Ogden piled up the rushing yards earlier in the year. But the last four games have come against tougher competition, and the Rebels are battling that as well.

Amite School Center at Huntington

The Hounds are playing better ball in recent weeks after posting dominating wins over struggling teams Plain Dealing and Pine Hills. They get to end the season on a more positive note after struggling earlier, and a win Friday could make it a little more sweeter.

Tensas at Pine Hills

The Chiefs had a solid first half to build on last week in trailing Trinity Episcopal 7-0 before the game got away from them. It’s the final game for both teams as the Chiefs try to finish the season on a more positive note after playing better ball late in the season.

Chamberlain-Hunt at Centreville

The Tigers will host CHA on Thursday to wrap up the regular season for both clubs, and the Tigers hope to end a frustrating season on a positive note after not making the playoffs in a tough 4-AA.