Long County beat Islands High 22-12 Friday in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated.
Playing in Savannah, the Blue Tide defense dominated the Sharks during the first half. Over Islands’ five first possessions, Long County forced two turnovers by fumbles and three punts.

One of the turnovers netted six points when linebacker Jamin Davis picked the ball up and rambled to the Sharks 3. One play later Blue Tide quarterback Elijah Wright punched in the touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt failed.
Other than this lone score, the Long County offense struggled during the first half having to punt on three of four possessions.

In the second half, the Blue Tide offense began to move on the ground and in the air. After driving deep into Island territory Ludowici scored on a one-yard run by tailback E.J. Crawford. He also scored the 2-point conversion for the 14-0 Long County lead.
The Blue Tide special teamsalso stepped up in the second half, blocking two punts. One of them resulted in Crawford’s second score from the seven yard line. On the 2-point conversion the Tide line again opened a hole for Crawford.
Islands continued to play hard and scored with three minutes left to play. After a failed onside kick, the Blue Tide had the ball near mid field. Long County was unable to move had to punt.

The Sharks special team showed they too could come make big plays, blocked the punt and picked the ball up to score. The conversion attempt failed, and time expired on the Blue Tide’s final possession.
After the game, Long County head coach Eric McNair praised the Sharks.
“I want to first of all commend the Islands team, it is clear that they have gotten better each week that they have played this year,” he said.

McNair also praised his players, but said they made mistakes.
“We started out slow and made too many mental mistakes that could have cost us the ball game, but overall I am pleased that we battled and rallied to win the game,” McNair said. “On a positive note, at times tonight we were clicking and running on all cylinders, we just have to keep getting better.”