The ACCS Rebels – normally a passing team – opened with a running play Friday night and stayed with a ground attack throughout the game to defeat Columbia Academy.

Adams County Christian School defeated the Cougars 20-19 Friday to win its homecoming game and pick up its second win of the season.

Coach Bo Swilley was pleased with the offensive changes. &uot;We wanted to run the ball a little more,&uot; Swilley said. &uot;I felt good about how our line blocked and the way our backs ran.&uot;

The Rebels scored on their opening drive of 60 yards with a 14-yard run by Trey Mardis.

The first quarter would end with that being the only score, as the Rebel defense held the Cougars on their opening drive and ACCS controlled the clock with strong running by Jason Rollins and Russ Marks.

Columbia opened the second quarter showing they could run too, driving 86 yards, all on the ground, to even the score 6-6.

The Rebels shifted the momentum back in their favor with a fake punt on their next possession and soon scored to reclaim the lead 12-6.

The Cougars answered right back with another long drive before the half, and they took a 13-12 lead into halftime.

ACCS&160;opened the second half by recovering an onside kick, and the Rebs quickly took control as Jason Rollins ran the ball twice and scored on a 10 yard run. The Rebels took a 20-12 lead after the two-point conversion and it would prove to be enough as the Rebel defense took over.

The Rebels continued to control the clock in the fourth and the defense, led by Boo Burchfield and Chase Bradford, held Columbia at the 1-yard-line for four plays to secure the lead.

ACCS, while controlling the clock, could not add to its lead, and the Cougars finally scored with 4:18 to play. The extra-point that would have tied it was blocked by Justin Thornton, however, and the Rebels maintained a one point lead.

ACCS’ defense continued to play strong and Columbia didn’t get close again, as the Rebels took a the homecoming victory and their second win of the season without a single passing yard.

&uot;I’m very happy for this team and extremely proud of them,&uot; Swilley said. &uot;The biggest thing is they didn’t quit and played hard the entire game. I’ll take that everyday.&uot;