NATCHEZ — The season may have ended sooner than the Adams County Christian School players would have liked, but two of them can see a silver lining to the season.

Inside linebackers Brandon Ross and Matthew Rymer are currently ranked in the top 20 on MaxPreps.com in tackles at their position, with Ross coming in at 12 and Rymer at 20. MaxPreps is an online high school sports network that tracks schools across the country.

“It feels pretty good to know all my hard work has been recognized,” Ross, who finished the season with 132 solo tackles and 18 assists, said. “I also have to thank my coaches for pushing me through workouts and practices.”

Rymer, who tallied in at 123 tackles and 16 assists, said he was also happy with the recognition.

“It’s a really good feeling, being ranked among people all over the country,” Rymer said. “College coaches can look at that stuff, so it’s a big deal.”

Both Rymer and Ross credited the Rebels’ defensive line for creating plenty of opportunities to make plays.

“Our defensive line was really good,” Rymer said. “They were able to keep our opponents’ offensive line off me and Brandon, and our defensive coordinator (Richie Spears) had us set up in the right position.”

Ross said without the defensive line, none of the team’s success on that side of the ball would have been possible.

“They did their job,” Ross said. “They made contact with the guards, tackles and center so that our view was open to go to the ball.”

Rymer transferred to ACCS from Cathedral High School over the offseason, and Ross said his addition allowed the two of them to push each other.

“We were competitive toward each other, but we had each other’s backs the whole time,” Ross said. “His ability to read the offense and his quickness allowed him to do well. He has a nose for the football.”

Rymer said he enjoyed playing next to Ross, and were always happy for each other when they made plays.

“We definitely thrived off each other and built each other up,” Rymer said. “It was fun. After one of us would make a tackle, we’d slap hands and laugh and stuff. Brandon reads the ball well, and we’re both the same kind of linebacker.”

ACCS’s (10-2) season ended last week with a loss to Glenbrook School in the second round of the MAIS Class AA playoffs. Though they didn’t reach their ultimate goal of a state title, Rymer said he’s happy with their body of work overall.

“There’s nothing to hang our heads about,” Rymer said. “The loss definitely hurt, but looking back, we helped turn the program around. We accomplished a lot and did what we had to do.”

Ross said he hopes the entire senior class helped paved the way for future Rebel teams.

“I wish it would’ve ended better, but I feel like we accomplished a lot as a group,” Ross said. “The seniors set a good example for their upcoming teammates.”