NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School players and coaches knew what Friday night’s game against River Oaks meant for their season.

After winning the contest, the Rebels are beginning to see the start of something they believe can become a big year.

“This is very special,” said ACCS running back Trey Fleming. “We work hard every day, and we are out there getting it. We are more mature, everybody wants to win and try to get a ring.”

Obtaining that ring isn’t in the crosshairs for head coach David King just yet. King knows his team can do it, but will have to improve to do so.

“We certainly have the potential,” King said of his team being a contender this season. “When you have the potential to be good, it means you’re not good. So we’re not good right now. We can be good, but we’ve got a long way to go, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

The challenge will only get tougher as the Rebels head to Centreville next week for a highly anticipated clash with one of the best teams in the state. And if the Rebels are able to pass that test, the only thing standing in their way could be themselves.

“The average fan thinks we played well because we scored a bunch,” King said. “But we made a lot of mistakes, and there is a lot to correct.”

Even though tweaks will be made, some Rebels are already aboard the train to a state title.

“It is going to be a great year,” said ACCS’ Lester Wells. “It is the year.”

Trinity Episcopal Day School

Trinity’s 51-24 loss to Centreville became a game within a game.

At a certain point in the game, Trinity became its own opponent, as players faced the decision to either keep playing hard or roll over in a blowout loss.

Down 44-12 at halftime, Trinity head coach Zach Rogel urged his team to refuse to quit.

“I challenged them,” Rogel said. “I wanted to see effort, and I’m happy they answered. We have to look at the tape to see which players gave full effort.”

Rogel began the night with a challenge, demanding his offensive line step up against a bigger front. Rogel and his offensive line found out that size matters.

“If you dominate the line of scrimmage, you’re going to be tough to beat,” Rogel said. “We knew that coming in. We were outmatched on the line.”

Trinity’s 0-2 start is far from the Saints’ 2013 perfect season, but Rogel believed the bumps in the road will get Trinity back to its winning ways.

“I think we’re on the right path,” Rogel said. “Once we get it figured out, Trinity will be a scary squad.”