For Carroll Academy, the road to redemption starts Friday night in West Memphis, Ark.
Looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-7 mark a year ago, the Rebels kick off the 2004 campaign against West Memphis.
Last year, the Rebels started the season, Tony Banks' first as head coach, with a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to East Rankin and never recuperated - so Banks knows it is important to set a winning tone early.
"It would be a big boost to get off to a good start. It's a chance to jump-start your whole season," Banks said.
The second-year CA head coach hopes to see a better effort from his team than he did in last week's jamboree at North Delta.
"We came out a little sluggish and didn't seem ready to play," he said. "With it being the first game and on the road, you better step off the bus like you're six points down."
Banks says West Memphis is a big team, with several 280-pounders up front, and it likes to run a lot of option and misdirection plays.
"They've got a good quarterback and running back. Anytime you face an offense like this, you have to be disciplined. We have to stay at home and take of our assignments."
Banks says his offense is running a little behind schedule since starting quarterback Taylor Mullins missed a little more than the first week of practice with a knee injury.
Mullins is scheduled to start Friday's game, but Banks also plans to find a series or two for backup Ellett Thomas.
Banks estimates it will take the team three hours to bus to West Memphis, by far the Rebels' longest trip of the season.
