Adams County Christian School coach David King doesn’t mince words when describing the importance of Friday night’s tilt against MAIS district 4-AAA opponent Columbia Academy.

“We’ve got to have it if we want to win district,” King said. “We’ve won it three years in a row, and if we want to win it again, we’ve got to win this one.”

The Cougars (5-1) enter the pivotal showdown winners of their last three contests and ranked No. 4 in the latest Clarion-Ledger MAIS AAA poll.

“Columbia is the best offensive team we’ve seen,” King said. “They’re multiple … They’re well-schooled. They have a quarterback that throws it really well, and they have some big, nice-looking wide receivers.”

King also said the Cougars feature a large offensive line.

“They just present all kind of problems,” he said. “They can run it and throw it … This offense has kept (defensive coordinator Richy) Spears and I up all week.”

The Rebels (4-2, 1-0) will lean on a stingy defense, headlined by defensive ends Cole Gatlin and Chris Smotherman, that King said he thinks is one of the best he’s fielded in his tenure at ACCS.

“We’re very proud of our defense,” King said. “It ranks right up there with the best defenses ACCS has put on the field.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at ACCS.

“If we play well, we have a chance,” King said. “If we don’t play well, this thing could get out of hand. They’re just that kind of explosive team. But I do feel like we’re going to play well.”