NATCHEZ — The forecast for Thursday and Friday calls for grey skies and plenty of rain, but Adams County Christian School head coach Paul Hayles said that doesn’t faze him.

“There’s no weather excuse anymore,” Hayles said. “At this point, you can either play in it or you can’t.”

The Rebels are set to square off against Manchester Academy in their final home game of the season, and Hayles stressed that his players would be prepared for whatever field conditions await them.

“We practiced yesterday in muddy conditions,” Hayles said. “I think we’ve only played one game all year that was dry.

“It’s just been a rainy season. The kids have fought their tails off, and I’m very proud of them in that sense. I know they wouldn’t want to use the weather as an excuse (for poor performance).”

When the Mavericks come to town Friday, Hayles said he’s expecting a formidable challenge for his defense in containing the Manchester offense.

“They’ve got a very balanced attack,” Hayles said. “They have a running quarterback that can run the option if he needs to. They run out of multiple formations.”

In addition, Hayles said the Mavericks are riding a wave of momentum from their last couple of games.

“They’re a team on a hot streak. They had some problems winning early in their season, but they were playing a stout schedule. Now, they’re on a two-game winning streak and are averaging around 30 points per game.”

In order to come out on top Friday, Hayles said that his team would have to limit turnovers and be able to focus on defense.

“We have got to protect the football,” Halyes said. “We can’t have turnovers, which is something we’ve struggled with in our losses. We also have to play sound defense, and not have blown assignments.”

With it being the final home game for ACCS, the school plans to honor its senior players with Senior Night. Hayles said he’s proud of what this group of seniors have accomplished throughout their careers.

“These guys came in knowing they had a long, uphill battle. They paid the price and set the foundation for future teams. They make you proud on and off the field, and those kinds of groups are rare. It’s been an honor to (coach) them.”

As far as postseason chances, the Rebels (5-5, 1-3) are hoping for some assistance from another school in their district.

“It’s really simple: If Wilkinson County Christian School can beat Silliman, and we can beat Manchester, we’d have a good chance at getting the second wildcard,” Hayles said. “We have to control what we can, and hopefully get some help.”

Kickoff at ACCS is set for 7 p.m. Friday.