NATCHEZ — For Adams County Christian School’s football team, it’s business as usual, even without a full-time head coach.

Former coach Paul Hayles informed his staff and players June 24 that he accepted a job as headmaster at Amite School Center. For now, assistant coaches Hunter McKeivier, Rick Fife and Christopher McGraw are handling all the coaching duties together as the Rebels gear up for their 2011 season.

“We’re working as we have been, doing conditioning stuff and trying to get them ready for 7-on-7 matches,” Fife said Friday.

“We’re doing workouts twice a day. It’s just business as usual.”

Fife said there’s been no official word from school officials if any of the assistants will take over as intermin head coach for the coming season.

“We’re supposed to know in the near future,” Fife said.

ACCS headmaster Buddy Wade said Hayles initially planned to take over as headmaster at ACCS when Wade retired, but the opportunity at ASC was too good to pass up.

“He felt like he couldn’t turn them down, so he made the move,” Wade said. “I think he’s going to (help) assist with football whenever he can. I do know they already have two coaches on the staff.”

Wade said Hayles left a good legacy behind, citing the school’s gradual improvement in football each season since he took over in 2007.

“I think the record speaks for itself,” Wade said. “He came in when the talent was down, and made us very competitive. The weight room is in excellent shape — he got it to where we just have to use it now.”

Fife said Hayles leaves ACCS on good terms, and echoed Wades’ sentiments on the job Hayles did with the Rebels’ program.

“He established a good work ethic, and I think the kids have a little confidence in them after last year (when we went 8-4).”