BY CHERIE WARD

NATCHEZ — For Alex Smith playing football for the Adams County Christian School Rebels is not just a game because he and his teammates are making memories that will last a lifetime.

Smith, a senior and right guard, said, “We are just trying to play to our fullest potential and have something to tell our kids and grandkids. We are making everything count.”

Wide receiver Paul Cupstid agreed with Smith and added that the team is not just a lineup on a roster, but they are brothers. A band of brothers.

“We’ve gone up against bigger and better schools as the underdog,” said Cupstid, a senior player. “And we’ve enjoyed giving them an upset. I’m going tomiss these guys when it’s over.”

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

Quarterback Sterling Yarbrough said the homecoming game against the Oak Forest Academy Yellow Jackets yielded the best play of the season. With time expiring in the fourth quarter, Yarbrough threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Glaston Magee that tied the game and threw the players to an overtime battle.

“My first thought was this is so great,” Yarbrough said. “I was so excited, but I had to stop myself and refocus. I had to focus on the overtime.”

That overtime play resulted in a 26-20 win over the Yellow Jackets.

“I could not believe it,” he said. “I rolled right, threw the pass to Glaston and looked up at the scoreboard to see we were tied with only two seconds left. It was the best feeling.”

Assistant coach Shane Daugherty said the work ethic, commitment and loyalty that that this team offers in unprecedented.

“They’ve overcome so much and they’ve never let any obstacle get them down,” Daugherty said. “We’ve got only 24 players out here and not one of us coaches would trade this team for a team of 40 or 50.”

Daugherty said despite the low numbers and injuries the players have kept their heads held high.

“They are very protective of each other,” Daugherty said. “Despite what happens they are always ready to play and if by chance they can’t play, they are in the stands. It’s all about supporting each other.”

CJ Green, a senior left tackle and right guard, said he’s eager for Saturday’s game.

“We’ve been getting ready by watching game films,” Green said. “We are ready to play.”

The team departs for Jackson today (Friday) at 11:45 am.