Extra Point Previews: Zion Chapel Rebels

JACK, Ala ( WDHN ) — Today, we move up into 2A with our Extra Point team previews leading into the high school football season, featuring a team that continues to improve under head coach Cody Keene—the Zion Chapel Rebels.

“We’ve gained ground in the first two years, gotten better each year,” said Coach Keene. “Hopefully, we can take another step this year and do the same thing. Our kids have learned how to fight, pull things together, not give up, not quit, and those types of things. We want to keep that mentality, keep building on it, be scrappy from week to week, and let people know they played a football game on Saturday morning, regardless of the results.”

The Rebels went 5-5 a year ago, marking their best record since 2019. Much of that success was led by second-team All-State quarterback Mason Stuart, who has since graduated, so it’s time for the Rebels to restock.

“Obviously, when you’re replacing as much production as you would be with Mason, you know it’s a concern. But at the end of the day, with small school ball, it’s got to be next man up,” Coach Keene stated.

That next man up will be John Foster Hamm, who Coach Keene expects a lot from in his junior year. Hamm will have two productive receivers returning in Joseph LeGear and Kevin Brown, as well as Weston Watson returning at tight end. Brayden Benbow and Jeremiah Stinson will lead the ground game for the Rebels.

On defense, this team returns six starters from last season, but Coach Keene says this roster’s competitiveness makes it stronger.

“The beauty of it all is the kids have bought in, and when that happens, you have guys you have to find a place to play. I like having that competition and guys with such high effort and energy. They’re winners, and we’re going to find places for them to play because, at the end of the day, we want those guys to represent us on the football field,” Coach Keene emphasized.

Zion Chapel moves from 2A Region 2 to Region 3 in 2024, and the competition doesn’t diminish one bit.

“It’s from the frying pan into the fire. It doesn’t matter. We’re going to play good football every Friday night against good coaches and good athletes. We’re excited about the challenge that’s in front of us, and I think our kids will be up to the challenge by the time that rolls around,” said Coach Keene.

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