The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots Termite team traveled to Lowndes Academy Saturday to compete in the Rebel Bowl, a tournament for area teams.

The Termites defeated Monroe Academy 14-6 and then defeated host Lowndes Academy 12-6 to claim the championship and improve their record to 5-0 on the season.

“It was a great day and we had a great time,” said Termites head coach Kevin Adams. “They were fired up. We played in the same tournament last year and lost both games. Our fourth-graders were excited to play in it again this year.”

Prior to the tournament, the coaches focused on the importance of mental toughness and how far it could carry the team in the tournament.

“They showed a lot of mental toughness,” Adams said. “They were really fired up. That is something that we have preached. They got in that championship game and that was probably the most physical game that I have seen yet.”

The Termites got off to a quick 14-0 lead over powerhouse Monroe Academy in their first game.

Parker Adams threw 60-yard pass to teammate Carter Carroll for the first touchdown of the game. It was followed up by a rushing touchdown by Cade Brookins. Adams finished things up with two-point conversion to give the Termites the 14-0 lead. The defense held Monroe to only one touchdown, clenching the win.

In the championship game against Lowndes the Termites needed a late touchdown to come back and win the championship.

Lowndes jumped out to an early 6-0 lead on the second play of the game. After evening the score a 6-6, PLAS was able to score the winning touchdown with just four seconds remaining on the clock when Adams threw a pass to Carroll from about 15 yards out.

Endurance played a part in the Rebel Bowl on Saturday. One game was at 11 a.m. and the other at 5 p.m., and the Termites had to battle fatigue and field conditions.

“The fields by the time we played the championship game was all mud,” Adams said. “They were really beat up, they had bruises all over their arms. The mental toughness they had during that day compared to the beginning of the year was incredible. It was really fun to watch.”

The Termites have just two games remaining in their season. They host Hooper Academy at 5 p.m. today followed by a trip to play Edgewood to close out the season.

“It’s an honor to be 5-0,” Adams said.

“When they won that tournament, it was probably the most fun I have had and I have coached a long time.”