Douglas Freeman High's tennis teams have been dealt a tough hand.

Still, the Rebels, led by Zach Carl and Elena Rusu, play like they have a fistful of aces.

If you haven't been by the western Henrico school lately, you won't recognize it.

Due to major construction/renovation that began in August, 32 trailers occupy an area that used to be six tennis courts.

Meanwhile, the Rebels-turned-road warriors were a combined 22-1, and ranked No. 3 in the boys/girls polls, heading into yesterday's matches at Deep Run.

"We've practiced at seven different spots," boys coach Jeff Given said. "Some of the kids are members of private clubs, but you like to keep them together."

Home matches are contested at the Three Chopt Recreation Center on Skipwith Road

"It's a twoto three-year project," Freeman Activities Director Jim Sangston said of the trailer invasion. "It's been an inconvenience, but it could have been worse. Several nearby clubs have really helped us out."

No. 1 guns: Minus any home cheering section, the Rebels boast a sparkling lineup led by Carl and Rusu, No. 1 singles players for the boys and girls, respectively.

Carl, representing traditional Richmond, and Rusu, of Russian descent, are contrasting stories that have blended together.

Father-son: Carl is the son of Neal Carl, a former Collegiate School standout who played at the University of North Carolina from 1977-79.

The Carls plan to team up for a national father-son tournament this summer in Cincinnati.

Zach was No. 3 singles for Freeman a year ago as a freshman, posting an 11-4 record in singles and 8-3 in doubles. Freeman's former No. 1, Phil Parrish, won the 2007 Central Region title.

"I wanted the pressure of being No. 1," Carl said. "I like that level of competition. I know what to do. It's all about confidence with me."

The 5-11 133-pounder is ranked No. 25 on the MATA U-16 circuit.

Talented transfer: The Freeman girls got a huge boost when the 5-10 Rusu transferred from J.R. Tucker.

Last spring, Rusu lost in the district semifinals to eventual champion Katie Blow of Mills Godwin. Since arriving as a sophomore, Rusu assumed the No. 1 singles spot. Elizabeth Sutphin (No. 1 last year) moved to No. 2.

"Elena's a real nice player," girls coach Larry Parpart said. "She's basically a baseliner, but she can come to the net."

No. 3: Freeman is ranked behind Godwin and Deep Run in the boys and girls polls.

Also, Carl (having lost only to C.W. Williams of St. Christopher's) likely is the area's third-ranked, public-schools player behind Godwin's Kyle Parker and Deep Run's Eric Shulman.

On the girls pecking order, Rusu likely is third behind Godwin's Blow and Deep Run's Allison Shulman (Eric's sister).

Future: Plans for new courts at Freeman won't become reality until 2010 at the soonest.

Meanwhile, with sophomores atop the ladders and plenty of talent behind them, the Rebels appear on solid footing . . . even if their courts have been pulled out from under them.