NATCHEZ — Though the Adams County Christian School Rebels boast an 8-1 record, head coach David King said none of their accomplishments so far this season mean anything when they step onto the field Friday night.

The Rebels (8-1, 2-0) have had a strenuous week of practice preparing for what King said will be one of the biggest games the Rebels have played in decades.

“We’ve had some long days (in practice),” King said. “This is probably one of the biggest regular season games this school has had since I was in school here.”

The Rebels face off against the defending Class AA champions Brookhaven Academy on the road in a game that will test everything they’ve fought for this season.

But King said his players are excited to face this kind of challenge.

“There is excitement over here, and these boys have prepared well and have gotten themselves in a good situation,” King said. “Our fans and parents are a lot more nervous than the players are. They’re relaxed and upbeat.”

Playing in Brookhaven territory adds another challenge, but King said they have a lot to prove, and a win Friday will show the football world what they’re really made of.

“It’ll be two good teams getting after it,” he said. “Brookhaven is the defending AA champions, so they certainly know how to win the big ball game, and we have to prove that we know how to do the same. We’re 0-0 now, and we have to treat this like the first game of the year.”

There are two things the Rebels must do if they want to leave Brookhaven with a win, and if they fail to execute the game plan, things could go badly very quickly.

“We have to tackle well first and block well,” King said. “When it is all said and done, those are the two things from AYA league to the pros. If you do those, all those other things are smoke screen.”

King has worked extensively with his defense in their practices, and he said he feels confident in his players and their ability to execute their scheme.

“I’m pleased with the defense,” he said. “We’ve worked really hard with our defense, and I think we have a good game plan on both sides of the ball.”

The Rebels will kickoff at 7 p.m. Friday.