Rebels battling flu-like symptoms

By Michael Kerekes (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Thursday, October 1, 2009

NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School’s season saw a setback last Friday, as Parklane Academy pounded the Rebels 48-6.

ACCS gave up 28 points in the first half and couldn’t muster a comeback, as Parklane added 20 points in the third quarter.

“We came out and started well,” ACCS head coach Paul Hayles said. “We stopped them on their opening drive and that should have set the tone (early).

“Unfortunately, we stalled on the next series and were forced to punt the ball back with what was probably our shortest punt of the season (distance-wise). Seven plays later, Parklane’s in the end zone.”

The Rebels managed just one touchdown the entire game, which came on a Brandon Sanders 5-yard carry in the second quarter. Hayles said being down 28-6 at the half was too difficult to come back from.

“That’s a steep mountain to have to overcome,” Hayles said.

Hayles said the bus ride home for his team last Friday was a good indication of what his team thought about its peformance.

“They realized that they should have performed better,” Hayles said. “No one believed our opponent was as much better than us as the scoreboard indicated.”

Practice for ACCS this week has also been filled with adversity, as the Rebels players have been battling flu-like symptoms.

“We’ve been so ravaged with illness, we couldn’t even practice Monday,” Hayles said. “We only had 12 to 13 players able to practice Tuesday.

“Wednesday, we had about 65 percent of our team out here. We (couldn’t) gas them (Thursday) due to their lack of work.”

Because of the shortage of practice time this week, Hayles said he’s worried if his players will have enough energy for four quarter tonight when the Rebels host Riverdale.

“I have faith that they’ll give enough effort, but I wonder how much gas they’ll have (tonight),” Hayles said.

The Rebels are preparing for a wide open attack from Riverdale, Hayles said.

“They do a lot of spread stuff. They have good skill people and an excellent quarterback who’s elusive and has a strong arm. We’re going to have to find a way to put pressure on him and get him on the ground.”

Hayles also said he expects a good running game from Riverdale.

“From watching the film, they run pretty well,” Hayles said. “They have a good, balanced attack.”

The key for the Rebels, Hayles said, will be to make things as difficult as possible for the Riverdale offense.

“We have to make them earn everything,” Hayles said. “We can’t give away easy plays. On offense, our main thing is ball security, making plays and getting first downs. We have to be able to move the chains.”