NATCHEZ — Practice for Adams County Christian School’s varsity football team did not get started until last Thursday in shirts and shorts. Then on Tuesday, the Rebels started practice in pads.

But as head coach David King said late Wednesday morning, they are behind schedule when it comes to practice and surprisingly low on numbers.

With last year’s MAIS Class AAA state champions venturing up to the new Class 5A with a district with Silliman Institute, Copiah Academy, Central Hinds Academy, and St. Aloysius to go along with a brutal non-district schedule, that could be a problem.

As for how practice has gone so far, King said, “It’s hot. And dry. We don’t have a lot of players. So it’s kind of a struggle right now. We’ve got 22 players on (our) roster in 5A. That’s unheard of.”

King said that practice on Wednesday started at 6 p.m., adding “We may practice until midnight just to correct all the mistakes we’ve been making. We’re way behind.”

King said that no one player in particular has stood out in practice. He then added that it’s too early for that.

“We’ve got some guys we’re counting on. It’s good leadership right now. This senior group won a state championship,” King said. “We don’t have any depth at all. We’re going to have to play some ironman football this year. The only good thing about low numbers is that there’s only going to be 11 mad mamas.”

ACCS will travel to Franklinton, La. for a scrimmage today against Bowling Green School at 6 p.m.

As for what he would like to see from the Rebels against the Buccaneers, King said, “We’re just trying to find out our identity. Defensively, would should be solid barring any injuries. We have to replace a lot on offense. We’ll eventually get to where we want to be.”

Then on Thursday, Aug. 15, ACCS will participate in the Parklane Academy Jamboree in McComb. The Rebels will take on Centreville Academy at 7 p.m. and host Parklane Academy at 7:30 p.m.