The real game starts now for Adams County Christian School.

The Rebels (4-1) open district play Friday against Prentiss Christian (4-1) and head coach David King knows just how important it is to start district play off on the right foot.

“You obviously want to play well in other games, but this is one we have to,” King said. “You have to win your district to get one of the top spots in the playoffs. No matter what we’ve done, good or bad, to this point, this is the game.”

ACCS is coming off a 46-14 win against University Academy, but the stellar play hasn’t exactly carried over into this week.

“As you would expect with a big win like that, we’ve been sloppy most of this week,” King said. “But, we had a good spirited workout Wednesday.”

The Rebels are going to have to play well to beat a Saints team that has impressed King so far this year.

“They are 4-1 and beat Brookhaven for the first time in many years. I’ve played Prentiss many years, and this looks to be one of the better teams that they’ve had. They’re just a physical bunch, and watching them on film, they play with a lot of confidence.”

King said Prentiss Christian is a solid, all-around team able to succeed both running and throwing the ball.

The Rebels will get a boost with quarterback Tyler Stockstill returning from injury this week.

“He’s still battling, but he is going to play,” King said. “He is a tough kid, and he’ll get in there. We’re going to get him back in the mix.”

For King and his team, this week is the culmination of a journey they began during two-a-days.

“We’ve been preaching since day one that our goal is to win district,” King said. “And here we are the first step of that. Although we’ve been fairly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, now it is about to get real. There is no margin for error in these district games.”

Kickoff between ACCS and Prentiss Christian is set for 7 p.m. in Prentiss.