ACCS Rebels face very tough test

By Jeff Edwards (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Thursday, September 24, 2009

NATCHEZ — The Adams County Christian Rebels have had a great start to their season with a 4-1 record through their first five games.

But starting Friday night, the Rebels will be running through the gauntlet that will show just how good they really are.

The tough games begin Friday when ACCS travels to McComb to take on perennial power Parklane at 7 p.m.

The MAIS Class AAA Pioneers began their season with two losses — 47-20 to Jackson Academy and 22-21 to Centreville — but have recovered to blow out their next two opponents, defeating Starkville Academy 44-13 and East Rankin 38-13.

Parklane features a balanced offensive attack, led by running back Josh Armstreet, who is averaging almost eight yards per carry and 106 yards per game on the ground, and quarterback Steven Swindle, who has thrown for 563 yards on the season.

“They’ve got one of the best running backs in the (MAIS) ACCS coach Paul Hayles said. “He is a hard-nosed runner who finds daylight and gets a lot of yards after contact. They’ve also got a young man at quarterback who has a good arm and a good head for the game.”

The offensive talent doesn’t end with those two players either, Hayles said.

“They are surrounded with pretty high skill people,” Hayles said. “Their slot receivers and split ends are all very talented. And unfortunately for us, they’ve got a very good offensive line that protects those guys. Their left guard (Josh) Cunningham is one of the best offensive linemen in the state of Mississippi.”

Perhaps the best way to combat Parklane’s powerful offense is to keep it on the sideline.

That means the Rebels bruising running game led by junior tailback Brandon Sanders.

“Sometimes the best defense is a good offense,” Hayles said. “Of course, Parklane isn’t bad defensively either. They are talented in all three facets of the game. We’re going to go in there with a set game plan and execute it. If we can pull that off, it gives us a good chance.”