The Adams County Christian School Rebels only led 7-0 well into the second quarter Friday night against the Bowling Green Buccaneers, when suddenly, lightning struck twice.

In a less-than-two-minute span, defensive backs Mj Thornburg and Kemari Clark each returned a pair of interceptions for more than 40 yards, putting ACCS up 21-0.

The Rebels (7-1, 2-0) would not look back from there, taking down Bowling Green, 38-7.

The two interceptions provided a much-needed spark for ACCS.

“I felt the momentum swing toward us, because we started off kind of sluggish,” Thornburg said. Thornburg also recovered a fumble earlier in the game. “The pick-sixes really jump-started us, got our motors turning.”

Clark said his score off the interception was the first of his career at ACCS, as he capitalized on a drop by a Buccaneers receiver.

“He dropped it, (and) I was just in the right place at the right time to take it back,” Clark said.

The Rebels defense played well for a second consecutive week. ACCS held Bowling Green to 171 yards of total offense, allowing just one touchdown with the game already in hand.

Linebacker Dawson Parker was all over the field, totaling 10 tackles on the night.

The Rebels offense picked up as well after the two interceptions, particularly the running game. ACCS ran for 144 yards on 18 attempts. Julian Wilson accounted for 62 of those yards and a touchdown on just three attempts. DeMarlon Lewis added 40 yards on and a touchdown of his own on four carries.

Rebels coach David King said he was proud of his team for overcoming the slow start and putting on a good performance for homecoming weekend.

“It was a great crowd,” King said. “And all the pageantry and all the other stuff that goes on with that, and it’s very important for each high school. I was proud of our players to play good in front of the crowd that was here tonight.”

King, who accompanied his daughter as part of the homecoming court, wore a shirt and tie to match his demeanor: all business.

The sixth-year ACCS coach kept his intensity throughout the game, harping on his players to execute until the final whistle.

King credited Bowling Green for battling and making the Rebels work for a win.

“We did what we had to do,” King said. “Those guys came out and played us hard. Bowling Green always plays tough.”

But after the game, King and his players were already looking ahead to Thursday’s matchup at home against the crosstown rival Cathedral Green Wave (5-3, 1-1).

“It basically comes down to the district championship with us and Cathedral, so it ought to be exciting,” King said. “We’ve got our work cut out for us, and I look forward to the challenge this week.”