BY CHERIE WARD

THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT

NATCHEZ — Senior player leadership has been the most significant component in the successful season the Adams County Christian School Rebels have had so far, an assistant coach said. 

“It’s real good when the coaches don’t have to take the lead of the team and the senior players step up and take that role,” said Seth Swilley, ACCS assistant coach. “These seniors are real leaders, and they lead and encourage the team to work together to get the job done.”

Swilley, in his third year of coaching the Rebels, said he has watched the senior players expand their game skills and leadership abilities.

The team has 11 senior players including, Dawson Parker, Vince Carter, Kemari Clark, Aaron Newman, Paul Cupstid, Alex Smith, Sterling Yarbrough, Jakarius Caston, Greg Jones, Manny Singh and CJ Green.

“And they are also teaching these guys who are coming up behind them, the ones who will take over the lead of the team when they graduate,” Swilley said “They are really committed to this season and even the ones after they graduate.”

 Swilley works with both offense and defense players and said the team has the best leadership he’s ever seen in varsity football.

 “They don’t get rattled,” Swilley said. “The get it done.”

The Rebels will face Indianola Academy in the 7 p.m. Saturday MAIS Class AAA state championship game at Jackson Academy.

 The team spent more than four hours Tuesday afternoon poring over the opposing team’s game footage, Swilley said.

 “We are breaking it down,” Swilley said. “We are learning their plays, what has worked for them and what has not worked for them. We are learning what areas they are confidant and coming up with ways to exploit that.”

 Swilley said today’s practice will be more formal and spent on the field running plays and working on keys.

 “We are going to work them,” Swilley said. “And they want to work. They’re eager and they want to be ready Saturday. We are preparing to take our best shot.”