NATCHEZ — After scrimmaging against three tough opponents the last two weeks, Adams County Christian is ready to play a real game.

The Rebels will get their chance tonight when they travel to Woodville to take on the Wilkinson County Christian Rams.

“We’re definitely ready,” ACCS coach Paul Hayles said. “We scrimmaged defending state champion Centreville two weeks ago and then took on Central Hinds and Copiah last week. Those scrimmages were good preparation for us, but the guys are excited about facing off against an opponent for real.”

The Rebels will take on a tough opponent in the Rams, who are coming off a 7-5 season that included a playoff berth.

“I expect WCCA to have an athletic group that’s fast and gritty,” Hayles said. “Very similar to what they had last year. They are well-coached and have good athletes.”

While ACCS played in two jamboree’s, WCCA did not participate in one, which makes them even more anxious to get the season started.

“The kids have been working real hard,” WCCA coach Sam Byrd IV said. “They are ready to hit somebody besides themselves.”

Byrd said the Rams will rely on several key players to pick up a win tonight.

“We’re looking for a good performance from quarterback George Davis. It’s his first career start at quarterback and we need a good start from him. We’ve also got young running backs in Matthew McGraw and Tip McKenzie, and Spencer Smith at fullback who we will be counting on.”

Hayles said the offense is the biggest thing he is concerned about.

“We’ve got to improve on the offensive side of the ball,” Hayles said. “We know we’re capable, we’ve just got to show it.”

While the offense might struggle, Hayles said the defense is getting better.

“I feel like we’ve improved on defense,” Hayles said. “We just need to continue to take the necessary steps to become a good defensive team.”

Byrd said tonight’s game will be a good barometer of where the Rams are and what they need to work on to improve.

“We’re definitely hoping to work on our timing on offense,” Byrd said. “It’s hard to simulate game speed in practice. The more work we get done, the better we’re going to be. It’s been a long time since we’ve gotten after anybody in a game. The kids are pumped and ready to play ball.”