The Long County Blue Tide is preparing for the 2009 football season and, as far as fans are concerned, the Aug. 28 season opener against the Johnson High Atomsmashers can’t come soon enough.

Recently, a few fans spoke out about what they expect from this year’s squad after last year’s went 4-6 overall and 2-6 in region 2-AA.

Long County 4-H Club program assistant Lisa Overby said she is excited about the program.

"I’ve seen it grow and seen them come together and improve. I can’t wait for the games to start, so I can scream, ‘Go Blue Tide,’" she said.

Julius Bargeron, a deputy at the Long County Sheriff’s Department said, "The team has gotten a lot better over the last few years and I have high hopes for them this year. For the kids, being a part of a team helps them in that they learn to focus on goals. It also makes them keep up with their grades since they have to maintain certain grades to stay on the team."

LCHS maintenance technician Ervin Jackson said he thinks the Tide will be strong this season.

"People are going to see that they end up No. 1 in the region at the end of the year. I’m ready for that first game," he said.

"I think the kids that come out do a great job," said Long County Commissioner David Richardson. "They make our community proud, but I also would like to see more of the kids go out for the team. They’re missing a lot by not being out there."

Long County Clerk of Court Frank Middleton said there are some good kids on this season’s squad and he gave credit to the coaching staff.

"The coaches do a great job of emphasizing team work," he said. "The coaches also push the kids to apply themselves, and I hope they have a great year."