Until three days ago, Adams County Christian School coach Bo Swilley’s team had avoided the injury bug. But with starting quarterback Ty Smith on the sidelines Friday night, the Rebels fell to Simpson County 28-0 in their season opener.

Smith injured his ankle Thursday and is expected to return by next week.

The Rebels’ chance to climb back in the game was dashed late in the second quarter when they failed to convert a fourth-and-goal from the four yard line with 33 seconds left in the half.

ACCS was trailing 7-0 at the time and had marched from their own 24 yard line before failing to convert.

&uot;I did a poor job of having the team ready,&uot; ACCS head coach Bo Swilley said after the game. &uot;I did not give my back up quarterbacks enough reps (repetitions) in practice.&uot;

The normal ACCS through-the-air attack was hampered because, Swilley said, he was forced to change his game plan with the loss of his starting quarterback.

The Rebels stuck with the ground game most of the night.

Simpson’s first score of the game came on a long, time-consuming drive in the first quarter.

The Cougars’ 57-yard drive to score ended on a 15-yard Mitch Magnum pass which found Josh Duckworth in the back of the end zone.

The kick was good and Simpson led 7-0 with 1:25 remaining in the first quarter.

Although Swilley said he is not disappointed in quarterback Eric Anders’ performance, Smith should be back for next week’s game against Parklane.

&uot;The team gave effort and I am proud of them,&uot; Swilley said. &uot;I am very pleased with the effort.&uot;