For the second year in a row, upcoming Adams County Christian upcoming senior hurler Chris Rayborn is looking for a chance. A chance to show off his arm that helped lead the Rebels to a MPSA AAA South State Championship.

During a Saturday tryout at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Rayborn qualified for the Mississippi State Games – a statewide sportsfest patterned after the Olympics for amateur athletes of all ages and abilities – for the second year in a row. The games begin today in Meridian.

&uot;We had a blast last year,&uot; Rayborn said. &uot;We played one game a day and I got to meet a lot of players from around the state and a lot of scouts.&uot;

Rayborn was one of 18 players chosen from District 7 – an area that includes McComb, Wesson, Liberty, Columbia, Centreville and Natchez. &uot;The state is divided into eight districts, four in the north and four in the south,&uot; he said.

Rayborn, undefeated as a starter for the Rebels, missed a portion of the Rebels’ postseason with a back injury, but managed to post a 2.33 ERA this season.

What excites him most about the chance to showcase his arm in a statewide arena is who’s in the gallery.

&uot;There will be a lot of scouts and coaches there,&uot; he said. &uot;I’ve talked to some of them and some are showing interest. It’s been fun talking to them.

&uot;I&160;get to put on a show for them,&uot; he said.

According to the Mississippi State Games Web site, the event promotes &uot;health and fitness through friendly, family-oriented, athletic competition.&uot;

The site said the 2000 games was able to recognize the dedication and achievements of nearly 4,500 amateur athletes as they competed for medals in 24 sports.