Rebels Fall to Trinity Episcopal

The Central Private Rebels ran into a stronger, faster, more athletic football team in Natchez, MS on Friday night. After weathering a first half storm, the Rebels had a chance to win the ball game but fell to their first defeat 40-19 to the Trinity Episcopal Saints.
The Saints were able to take the opening kickoff and march down the field in 11 plays, including a 41-yard pass play on third down and 12 to open the scoring. The touchdown came on a 4th and goal from the 15 yard line when Giovanni Dent connected with R.J. Fleming on a post route. The extra point was missed, and with 7:46 in the 1st quarter, the Saints had a 6-0 lead.
The Saints would score again on their next possession after forcing the Rebels to turn the ball over on downs at their own 36 yard line. After 5 plays Dent again went to the air, this time tossing a 47-yard strike to Branden Daggs for the score. The 2 point play was not converted and the Saints led 12-0.
The Rebels took to the air on their first play after the kickoff, and Jason Young hit a wide open Lance Wicker for a 65 yard touchdown pass. Brandt Moore added the PAT and the Rebels had cut the lead to 5,12-7.
The Saints returned to the scoring column with 11:24 to go on a Fleming 23-yard jaunt to the end zone. The PAT was missed again. Travis Richard would pull the Rebels within 5 once again with a 15-yard blast into the endzone with 5:56 before half time. A 2 point PAT was no good and the two teams went to the half with the score 18-13.
The Rebel defense led by Hunter Martrain and Richard was able to contain the Saints attack in the second half, allowing only one first down. Bobby Muse, who rushed for 116 yards on the evening, on 26 carries put the Rebels in front 19-18 on a 7-yard blast into the end zone.
Trinity answered immediately, however, when Dent again went to Daggs, this time for 47 yards. Daggs then hit Kent King on the 2 point PAT for a 26-19 TES lead.
CPS marched the ball down field but was stopped on 4th and goal. They were able to hold the Saints to three and out, but a Young pass was intercepted by Fleming, who took the ball 62-yards to paydirt. On the next possession, Dent made an outstanding catch on a screen pass and went the 40 yard distance to score. The final score of 40-19 was not indicative of the hard-fought battle. The Rebels, although suffering their first defeat of the season, definitely played with the heart of a champion. They return to action at Rebel Field when they take on Bowling Green Academy who is coming off of a 21-0 shut out of defending champion Centreville Academy. The action begins at 7:00