Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Lowndes Academy kicked off football season with a home-field shut-out win, 40-0, against Southern Academy but not before pausing to remember a tragic loss in the high school football family.

Rebel and Southern Academy fans gathered with student athletes on the field to pray for the family of Caden Tellier, who succumbed to fatal injuries sustained during Morgan Academy’s Aug. 23 against Southern.

“A lot of our students went to Caden’s ceremony up at Morgan,” said Lowndes head coach Shane Moye. “It’s a tough situation. It kind of puts things in perspective, things that are bigger than football.

“They still come to win, and so do we, but sometimes we have to look at the bigger picture. When it’s over and done with, we are still all trying to live our lives to get where we want to be, and that’s with our Lord and Savior.”

After a 50-yard-line prayer by team parent, Erik Box, the Rebels met Southern with a win in their sights. Coming off last season’s third consecutive state championship, the team took the field with 19 wins in a row. 

According to Moye, Friday’s win marked the longest winning streak in the school’s history.

“There are still things for us to accomplish,” Moye said. “They want to show that they want to win.”

The Rebels proved their passion against Southern as their defense created six turnovers. 

Senio Watters Box, No. 4, had three interceptions and junior Huston Hampton had two.

Junior Crawford Dansby made two rushing touchdowns, and Hampton had a punt return for another touchdown.

Box kicked a 32–yard field goal and made another good over 52 yards.

The Rebels did what they set out to do, allowing the Cougars no points on the board Friday.

“We found a way to win,” Moye said. “We did a great job creating turnovers and had good field position all night. Special teams also played well.” 

The team still has work to do, Moye notes.

“We’ve got a lot to clean up on both sides of the ball,” Moye said. “You can tell it was our first game. I Liked where we are but need to be more sharp in all phases of the game.

The Rebels have a bye week this week and are on the road Sept. 13 as they travel to meet Hooper Academy at 7 p.m.