NATCHEZ — The Adams County Christian School boys soccer team hosted MAIS Division II South foe Oak Forest Academy Saturday morning, and it was the visiting Yellow Jackets from Amite, La., who were able to adjust to the early kickoff.

Oak Forest controlled the game for the first 20 minutes of play, and approximately midway through the first half the Yellow Jackets’ Rhett Riggins blasted a shot off his right foot that found the top-left corner of the Rebels net to give Oak Forest the deciding goal.

“I think they got off the bus ready to play,” ACCS head coach Jim Allgood said.

The Rebels would regroup and begin to control play for much of the rest of the game, but the game-tying goal eluded them and they lost 1-0.

“Once they scored the first goal, I think our guys decided to play soccer,” Allgood said. “The next 60 minutes we had lots of offensive attacks and controlled the ball most of the next 60 minutes.”

Allgood said ACCS was without three of its primary scorers (Lester Wells, C.J. White and Tanner Martin) in the game as well.

“Overall I’m very proud of the kids,” Allgood said. “Several of our younger guys got more playing time today and stepped up to the task.”

The Rebels ended up outshooting the Yellow Jackets five to three in the first half. ACCS continued to get opportunities in the second half, many coming from corner kicks, but was unable to get one past Oak Forest goalkeeper Trevor Best.

The Rebels’ loss put them at 5-3 in the division in a tie for second place with Oak Forest, Allgood said. ACCS defeated Oak Forest 3-2 in their previous contest this season.

Allgood said the team is in solid position to contend for the playoffs, but the Rebels will need to perform well in their final games.

“In these last few games hopefully we can stay in a dog fight and make the state playoffs,” he said. “And hopefully we can go on and play for the big prize. I know the kids want it, and we are working hard every day to get better, and it’s showing.”

The Rebels are now 9-4-1 overall on the season. They will travel to play River Oaks Wednesday.