Rebels looking for something to prove
BY KATIE MCELVY
FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN
CHAMBERS COUNTY — The Chambers Academy Rebels will open the 2026 season on Friday as they travel to take on the Patrician Academy Saints. After going back-to-back-to-back as AISA State Champions, head coach Jason Allen has labeled this season “Something to Prove” after Chambers graduated 17 seniors including many three-year starters. The class of 2026 may go down as the greatest class of football athletes to come through Chambers Academy, but this year’s team is looking to step out of its shadow and make this season one to remember.
The Rebels are not lacking for leaders this year as they have 16 seniors on their roster, and leading the way for them is Colton Fuller, who has spent the last three years as a defensive starter at inside linebacker and was the leading tackler for the Rebels a year ago. Allen is looking to Fuller to continue to play smart and lead the defense.
Joining Fuller at linebacker will be Troy Elliott. Elliott joined the team last year as a junior and recorded more than 50 tackles last year while also being responsible for multiple interceptions.
Aiden Tilley is also in his second year with the Rebels. Tilley accumulated more than 500 yards at receiver last year and will bring the most experience at the position this year.
Hunter Andrews will be taking on a new role. He manned the offense last year as quarterback, but he will transition to tight end for the Rebels as Cohen Hand and Braxton Terry line up to take snaps this year. This new role will allow Andrews to once again join the defensive side of the ball.
Safety Bryce Modling will also be returning. Modling is a dynamic player who was responsible for pass break-ups, interceptions, pick sixes and punts returned for touchdowns last season.
Leading the offensive line will be A.J. Noles. Allen noted at media days that no one outworks Noles in the weightroom. Noles does not quit and is looking to bring strength and tenacity to the line this year.
Tucker Thrower is the guy to look to on the defensive line as he shines against passing offenses.
Two juniors looking to make an impression this year are Trey Tigner and Aiden Yerta. Yerta is a speed demon in the open field when the ball is in his hands, while Tigner is explosive on defense. He led the Rebels in interceptions last year.
The Rebels will have their work cut out for them this season though. Chambers has not lost a game in the AISA since Aug. 17, 2023, when they dropped the season opener to Lee-Scott Academy in a tight 14-6 contest, but they face a big challenge on the road against Patrician on Friday Aug. 21. The Saints are coming off an 11-1 season and returning running back Ethan Carr who racked up more than 1,200 yards last season.
Game time is set for 7 p.m. in Butler, Alabama, as the Rebels start their journey looking for something to prove.
