By By Ryan Satcher / staff writer
Aug. 4, 2003
HEIDELBERG The first seven games of the season will make or break Heidelberg Academy's 2003 football season.
After two tough non-division games, the MPSA Class A defending state champion Rebels move to five straight division games that will decide the season for them.
Heidelberg Academy starts the season with a tough home matchup with Columbia Academy and will then travel to face Lamar School. The Raiders were the only blemish on the Rebels 13-1 record last season and should be a good early test.
"We like the schedule in that we have two strong opponents to start the year," said Heidelberg Academy coach Tom Lewis. "We should be tested right out of the blocks. It should prepare us. Hopefully, we can improve and stay healthy."
After the two non-division games, the Rebels move into league play.
"Our conference is right up there in the top of the state," said Lewis of the division. "You've got to take conference games one at a time. It's such a balanced division."
There have been many coaching changes in the conference, including new coaches at Central Academy, Newton Academy, Winston Academy and Kemper Academy.
"Anytime you change coaches you look for added enthusiasm," said Lewis.
The Rebels start conference play by hosting Central of Macon on Sept. 5. Heidelberg then travels to take on Newton in Decatur.
Tough division foe, and always competitive, Winston Academy is next on the schedule for the Rebels. After a trip to Kemper Academy, rival Wayne Academy travels to Heidelberg for a very important matchup.
After a Homecoming game with Oak Hill, Heidelberg finishes off division play at Sylva-Bay Academy. The Saints return a lot of players from last year's team and should be a tough opponent.
The Rebels close out the regular season with a trip to face East Rankin on Oct. 24.
"We've had good workouts," Lewis said of his team. "They're excited and we've got some good kids in a lot of spots. We've just got to avoid injuries and work on our depth."