NATCHEZ – Former Natchez High head coach Elbert &uot;Mo&uot; Lyles, who preceded current head coach James Denson, has been promoted to head football coach at Amite County High School.

This past season, Lyles was the defensive coordinator at Amite County, and after the resignation of the head coach, following a 3-6 season, Lyles was recommended for the job and approved just before the start of the Christmas Holidays.

&uot;I’m very excited to be the new head coach here. Coach Jackson decided to resign, so that he could devote more to administration duties,&uot; the Natchez native said.

&uot;I think the biggest challenge ahead of us will be to implement an effective weight training program that will put us in a position to succeed on the football field. I think that is a top priority.&uot;

Another top priority is to be competitive in District 7-3A next year, especially against his former school and Amite rival, Wilkinson County.

The graduate of South Natchez coached at Wilkinson County for six years, making the playoffs in three of those.

Another area team, the Franklin County Bulldogs, will also be a formidable opponent, he said.

As far as coaching style is concerned, Lyles said everything depends on his personnel.

&uot;You can always expect a few changes, but as far as the offense goes, we will wait and see what we have as far as athletes next season. Right now, there is a lot of uncertainty.&uot;

Lyles said he is thankful for the opportunity to get back into the head coach position.

&uot;I’m grateful to the Amite County School Board and Superintendent for giving me this chance,&uot; he said.