NATCHEZ — Attendance and ownership has been the theme for new Adams County Christian School head coach Paul Hayles and his football squad’s summer training.

“We want the kids to know that the team belongs to them,” Hayles said.

The ACCS football team started summer workouts a few weeks after school ended.

They spent the first part working on endurance and doing basic weight lifting.

“We play a lot of iron man football,” assistant coach Hunter McKeivier said.

“So it’s important we work on endurance.”

In the past month, the Rebels’ focus has turned to mainly strength and speed to prepare for first day of practice on Aug. 1.

“Football is an explosion sport,” McKeivier said. “We do heavy lifting, sprints and a ton of ab workouts.”

The coaches have seen an increase in the number of players attending and participating this summer.

“The workouts are tougher than last year,” senior lineman Slick Frank said.

“Coaches do a lot of encouraging and we’ve gotten stronger in every way.”

ACCS has had 20-25 players attend workouts three days a week.

“Participation has been great this summer,” Hayles said.

The coaches and players hope this upgrade in summer workouts will continue throughout the season.

“Since I was hired we have upgraded everywhere, the locker room, weight room and the way we work,” Hayles said. “Come start of season we will be ready.”