Several years have past since the Adams County Christian Rebels notched a winning season. But this year a new coaching staff and renewed optimism have arrived. On Tuesday night, the school wanted to take advantage of such hope by holding a &uot;Meet the Rebels&uot; at the gymnasium.

&uot;They haven’t had much to be excited about for the past few years,&uot; said Rebel coach Doug Clanton. &uot;Anything we can do to overcome that will help us.&uot;

The band, dance squads and cheerleaders preceded the introduction of the three football squads at ACCS. As with the other schools in the area, the pep rally has been a tradition at ACCS. The Rebels’ first game is this Friday at Simpson.

&uot;We got a lot of support this year than in years past,&uot; said senior quarterback Ty Smith. &uot;We’re ready. We’ve been waiting a long time (for the support).&uot;

Last year, ACCS struggled to a 4-7 record in the regular season, but advanced to the MPSA 3A playoffs by taking second place in District 4. The Rebels fell in the first round 37-0 to Manchester.

Smith expects big things out of this year’s Rebel squad.

&uot;Nobody expects much out of us. Nobody looks forward to the program doing well,&uot; Smith said. &uot;A lot of people are looking forward to it this year. Anybody who isn’t will soon.&uot;