Long County will travel to Toombs County on Friday to take on Vidalia in a key region game for both squads.

In past seasons, the Indians have been the prohibitive favorite in this matchup, but that doesn’t appear to be the case this year.

The Indians go into the game with a 3-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark in Region 2-AA. Their three wins have been over Swainsboro (21-0), Toombs County (31-20), and Groves (45-0), all of which have a less-than-impressive combined record of 3-8.

Their losses have been to West Laurens (30-6), which is 4-1, and 1-4 McIntosh County (15-14), and the Indians’ once-potent offense is only averaging 23 points a game. But even though their offense isn’t what it has been in the past, on the defensive side of the ball, the Indians are still tough, only giving up 13 points a game.

The Blue Tide go into Friday’s game with a 1-3 overall mark. They were manhandled last week in the first half by Bacon County in falling behind 34-0. They fought back to narrow that gap to 16 points, but eventually lost 46-24.

Their other two losses — to Tattnall County (21-14) and Metter (24-18) — were by a single touchdown, and in each of those games they had touchdowns taken off the scoreboard by penalties.

The Tide beat Jeff Davis 20-17 two weeks ago so, like Vidalia, Long County is 1-1 in the region.

One big difference between Long County and Vidalia’s records is the teams’ strength of schedule. The Blue Tide’s four opponents this year have an impressive combined 11-4 record. Long County is averaging 19 points a game, while giving up
27 points.

When you look at the rankings, the Indians have a slight advantage, being ranked by the MaxPreps-Foreman Power Poll at No. 24 in AA, compared to the No. 37 Blue Tide.

Though Vidalia will go into this game as the favorite, it will not be the overwhelming favorite that it would have been if this were week one of the football season.

The Indians lead the series 5-0. The game is in Vidalia and it begins at 7:30 p.m.