Coosa Valley Academy head football coach Vince DiLorenzo saw the potential in Childersburg transfer John Bullen when he joined the team in the offseason.

Bullen’s potential was realized Friday night as he led the Rebels to a 24-12 win on the road at South Montgomery Christian Academy. Bullen rushed for 80 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown, and also returned a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown in the Coosa Valley win.

“John was huge,” DiLorenzo said. “He had the best game he’s had this season. He had a lot of big runs.”

Ricky Ellison opened the scoring for the Rebels with a 3-yard run in the first quarter. Bullen scored from three yards out in the second quarter.

Bullen scored the only Coosa Valley touchdown in the third quarter with his 80-yard kickoff return. Ellison capped the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Phillip Neal finished with 56 passing yards, while also rushing for 39 yards. Ellison finished with 36 rushing yards.

DiLorenzo said he was pleased with the way his team finished the game.

“It came down to the fourth quarter and our guys had to reach down deep,” DiLorenzo said. “We managed to score and hold them a few times.”

The Rebels improved to 3-2 overall and 3-1 in region play. DiLorenzo said his team has to play well on the road Oct. 2 at Ashford Academy if the Rebels hope to make any noise late in the season.

“Ashford is a huge game for us if we expect to make the playoffs,” DiLorenzo said.