The No. 1-ranked Bessemer Academy Rebels took advantage of three fumbled kickoffs in the opening quarter to open a 20-0 lead over Kingwood during Thursday night’s 39-12 win over the Lions.

“We shot ourselves in the foot right from the start,” Kingwood head coach Jerry Stearns said.

The Lions, who have a 24-6 record during the last three years, are now 0-5.

“We knew coming into this year that we’re very, very young,” Stearns said.

The Rebels got things going in the first quarter when Trey Youngblood rushed for an 11-yard score.

Harris Gaston added the Rebels’ next score on a 31-yard pass to Garrett Pinciotti, and then Gaston struck again on a 1-yard run.

Bessemer added another touchdown on a 7-yard pass from T.J. Barr to Pinciotti before Kingwood got on the board on an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown by Justin Dickinson.

Pinciotti scored again to start the third quarter, and then Youngblood added the Rebels’ final score on a 2-yard run.

Ethan Robbins closed out the scoring for Kingwood with a 2-yard run.

“Although the scoreboard doesn’t reflect it, our kids have improved and done some positive things,” Stearns said.

The Lions return to action Friday as they play host to Pickens Academy. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.