LaFAYETTE — The Chambers Academy Rebels got off to good start Friday night in defense of their ASIA state championship with a 36-7 over Lee-Scott in LaFayette.

However, everything wasn’t particularly clean Friday night as Chambers Academy turned the ball over three times in the first half with fumbles. Two were bad snaps while in the shotgun formation and one was a bad exchange between quarterback and center.

Chambers Academy Head Coach Jason Allen said he was proud of his team, but there were so many things to clean up.

“Our kids played hard and competed hard, but we just had way too many mistakes in the first half,” he said.

The Rebels came out in the first two drives with touchdowns, jumping out to a quick 13-0 lead.

Quarterback Payton Allen scored on a 49-yard touchdown run at 9:54 in the first quarter. He struck again five minutes later with a 45-yard touchdown run.

Allen finished the night with 12 carries for 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Chambers Academy finished with 426 rushing yards altogether Friday night.

Running back Braxton Allen finished with 19 carries and 162 yards with touchdowns of 39 and 36 yards.

The other Rebels touchdown came from running back Cade Tarver on a 33-yard run with seven minutes to go, making the score 36-7 and trigging the running clock.

Lee-Scott Robert Johnson felt his kids played hard and did some good things, including a 30-yard touchdown pass from Tate McKelvey to running back Thomas Whatley.

“We did a lot of good things but also had a lot of mistakes, which is characteristic of an inexperienced young team,” Johnson said. “We got to grow up if we want to win.”

He said there are things to work on, but they’ll be ready move on Saturday morning.

“If we correct all those mistakes, it’s a much closer ball game,” Johnson said. “But at the same time, that’s a heck of a team we played over there.”

Defensively for Chambers Academy, defensive lineman Dijon Darden led the way with seven tackles and a sack. Braxton Allen also had six tackles on defense.

Defensive end Brody Smoot chipped in five tackles and a sack and defensive back Caydon Smoot was able to intercept McKelvey in the fourth quarter.

Jason Allen said he attributed the turnovers and penalties to lack of concentration and early-season problems. However, in the second half, the Rebels played a cleaner brand of football.

“We made a point to come out in the second half and run the ball, play physical and take the air of the game,” he said. “Our guys did a good job of that.”

Chambers Academy (1-0) moves on to play Tuscaloosa Academy.

Lee-Scott (0-1) will take on Fort Dale Academy in Greenville next Friday.