Summary of last season:
The Blue Tide came out strong with a victory over Islands High School of Savannah last season. The cancellation of game two due to Tropical Storm Hermine was an omen of what was to come the remainder of the season. The Blue Tide fell to Windsor Forest and then came the highlights of the year: two consecutive tied games against New Hampstead and Bradwell Institute. After the two ties came a five game losing skid, all of them Region games in which they could only muster 59 points.
The New Coach:
After just two seasons as head coach at Long County, Eric McNair resigned. This led to a search for a new coach, which found someone from nearby and an old region foe in J.T. Pollock, the former coach at 2-AAA Appling County. Coach Pollock has spent his entire 12 year head coaching career in Baxley. During that time he led the Pirates to eight playoff appearances including a semifinals appearance in 2011, which saw a four overtime quarterfinal victory over Lamar County, then coached by new Pierce County Coach Jason Strickland. Coach Pollock is confident of his new team.
“The players have responded very well,” he said. “Our numbers are low but the ones sticking with it seem to be dedicated and want to win.”
Outlook for this season?
“We have to improve both our strength and physicality as a football program,” Coach Pollock said. “We have allowed the kids to slow the game down and play confidently by simplifying our system on both sides of the ball. Our kicking game is a big concern.”
Long County has nine starters returning from last season, including several seniors in key positions.
Big games this year:
“At this point they are all big games,” Coach Pollock said.
Savannah’s Islands High School is on top for the home opener in Ludowici. Then Jeff Davis County, a road trip to Windsor Forest and then the Blue Tide will host New Hampstead. That’s followed by road trips to Bradwell and Baxley where they will face Coach Pollock’s former team, Appling County, in a Region contest. Home games against Pierce and Liberty are then followed by the regular season closer against Brantley at home.
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Blue Tide Welcomes Old Adversary
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