NATCHEZ — Head coach Jimmy Allgood called it humble pie. A year ago, he probably would have called it “making progress.”

That speaks to the improvement in the Adams County Christian School’s boys soccer program, said Allgood.

In Wednesday’s loss to Columbia Academy in a penalty kick shootout, Allgood said the experience was just what his team needed after starting off district play 6-0.

“These kids have worked hard and they almost walk with a little swagger about them,” Allgood said.

“I feel that swagger and overconfidence led to their first district loss (against Columbia Academy). That slice of humble pie was just what this team needed.”

The Rebels are now 8-3 overall, 6-1 in district play, and Allgood said he has enjoyed watching his players improve, especially after the growing pains of last season.

“My philosophy is this: In order to get better, you have to play teams that are better than you,” Allgood said. “We did that last year, and they took several losses to some of the top-caliber teams in the state, with scores like 18-0 and 15-0.”

But Allgood said the little things are what have been the biggest difference in terms of the Rebels’ improvement this season.

“Winning the small battles, like trapping the ball, making smart passes and learning to work together as a team, we’ve performed better at those this year versus the more established teams,” Allgood said.

Senior striker Kevin Campbell said he’s also noticed how he and his teammates seem to have a better understanding of the game with a year of playing under their belts.

“We’ve had time to develop our foot skills and have learned to make better passes, to know where the ball is going,” Campbell said. “We just have better knowledge of soccer.”

Even though it’s just his second year of actually playing in games, Campbell said his interest in ACCS soccer began as a freshman, when Allgood approached him about starting a soccer program at the school.

“I’ve been playing since I was 4, and I was very excited,” Campbell recalled. “I jumped at the opportunity.”

Although it was two years before his team got to play in actual games, Campbell said it was a good thing that he and his teammates had two years to prepare.

“I was ready to play, obviously, but that gave us time to get some base knowledge of how the game is played,” Campbell said. “But we were very excited to play. We want to win a state championship, and I’d love to go out with a ring.”

Campbell also said he thinks the program is in good hands long term after looking at some of the younger athletes.

“If they stick with it and do their best to learn, and they keep wanting to learn, then the future is very bright for them,” Campbell said.

One of ACCS’ future standouts is Lester Wells, who has already made a name for himself in football but has also made an impression with soccer. In Wednesday’s game against Columbia Academy, Wells had both of the Rebels’ goals.

“When I started coaching him in coach-pitch baseball, I saw a kid that had the ‘it’ factor,” Allgood said. “He’ll get to choose between, football, baseball, basketball or soccer. He’s also a humble kid who listens well. He’s been raised right.”

ACCS will resume play Wednesday, Jan. 4, hosting River Oaks.