NATCHEZ — A beast of a fullback, two talented running backs, a tough quarterback and physical offensive linemen.

Mix these ingredients together and you have a formidable offense on any level of football.

Consequently, Adams County Christian School looks to have its hands full tonight as it travels to Silliman Institute, and Rebels coach Paul Hayles said he expects these things from the Wildcats.

“They’re going to bring a solid running game,” Hayles said. “They have a huge fullback, and both running backs are similar in size and the way they run. They’re both tough runners.

“Their quarterback just looks like a fighter. He fights for everything he gets. They’ve also got good size and strength on the offensive line.”

Hayles said he feels protection of the football and not allowing big plays will be critical for the Rebels if they’re going to come away with a tough road win.

It’s no surprise that Hayles is stressing football protection to his players this week, as turnovers haunted the Rebels last Friday as they fell to Central Private School 33-21.

“We put ourselves in a hole (last week),” Hayles said. “We had three turnovers the first three drives and got down 21-0. We scored before the half and felt good about it, since they kicked to us to start the second half, but we weren’t able to execute early in the second half.

“That’s not to take anything away from Central Private, and there were a lot of positives from that game. We fought to the very end and I think out passing game is coming around.”

Rain has affected practices for the Rebels this week, but Hayles said he won’t allow that to be an excuse in regards to performance tonight.

“At this point, if we’re playing in the sleet, we’re ready for it,” Hayles said. “The weather’s no longer an issue. We went indoors one day because of lightning, but we forced ourselves to be outside most of this week.”

ACCS (5-3, 1-1) has a chance for a strong finish in district play this year, and Hayles said leadership from the upper classmen would be key to how the regular season ends.

“We control out own destiny,” Hayles said. “If we do what we’re supposed to do, we’ll be fine. If not, we’ll need some help from other teams.

“Having something to play for is new to our players, but they’ve put blood, sweat and tears into having a great season. As far as knowing the system, these guys know it front and back. It’s the fighting, the wanting to earn it, that will be the difference.”