The Battle of Highway 87 is on the slate for the Zion Chapel Rebels tonight. The Rebels play host to the rival Elba Tigers at Greene Memorial Stadium tonight in Jack.

The Rebels have never beaten Elba, and have been blown out in all four previous matchups. Elba captured the 2011 2A State Championship and returns playmakers on offense and defense.

“They have a ton of speed,” said Zion Chapel head coach Mike Waters. “They return two big offensive tackles, and some good guys on defense. The kicking game is really sound, and they are going to be just as good as they were last year.”

Waters said that his team would have to play “over our head” to get the win, but has a game plan that he feels gives Zion a shot at the upset.

“We are going to have to control the ball,” said Waters. “We need to have sustained drives, that keep some time off the clock.”

Elba was shocked last Friday night with a 21-20 loss to Opp. The Tigers went for a two-point conversion late, instead of kicking an extra point. The loss was the first seasoning opening loss for Elba since 2007.

Waters said that if the Rebels were able to knock off Elba, that it would be big for the entire community of Jack.

“We never have beaten them,” said Waters. “It would be huge for everyone.”