The Zion Chapel Rebels open up the 2019 season at home on Friday night when they take on Red Level.

It will be a rematch of last year’s season opener when the Rebels knocked off Red Level 40-33. They hope to make it two season-opening wins in a row when they kick off the season at 7 p.m.

The Rebels traveled to play Houston Academy in a jamboree last Friday night. Second half turnovers led to a 28-7 loss for the Rebels.

“We threw a pick six and had another interception and a fumble,” said head coach Randy Bryant. “Anytime you turn the ball over three times, you’re going to lose the football game. There were some things that we did well. There were some things that I definitely would love for us to improve on.”

Last Friday night’s game provided the Rebels an opportunity to put their work in practice on display.

“I think we have taken a step in the right direction,” Bryant said. “Our football IQ has definitely improved. I think there are some areas that we identified and we need to make some changes. That’s what we did this week. Take what we learned and fix some things.”

It’s been a season of rain for all the local teams. The Rebels again spent the week practicing where they can in order to get ready for Friday night’s contest.

“We’re definitely ready to get out of the rainy season and get into some clear weather,” Bryant said. “We have used our auditorium, somewhere that is dry where we can go over what we need to. We have to be some creative sometimes.”

Now the Rebels look to do something that is unprecedented in recent years: win the opener back-to-back seasons. They can do that with a win over Red Level. The Tigers finished last season 5-5 overall and 3-4 in Class A Region 2.

“They are a spread team and they have been a four-man front on defense,” Bryant said. “Everything runs through the quarterback. He is a really good player. We have to try and take him out of the game when it comes to his ability to make plays..

Kickoff between the Tigers and Rebels is scheduled for 7 p.m.

“We are very excited,” Bryant said. “First home game of the year. Great home crowd and they always show up to support the rebels.”