The Long County High School football team Friday night lost their sixth game in a row, as they fell to Brantley County High School 37-12.
The Herons scored first about three and a half minutes into the game.
On the Blue Tide’s next possession they got the ball deep in their own territory. With big receptions by Johnnae Jones and Luke Golden the home team move into Brantley County territory. But the drive stalled when a defender picked off a Jacob Turner pass at the 40 yard line. And the Herons put up another score.
The first period ended at 14-0.
Midway through the second period, the Herons were on the move again, driving to the Blue Tide 17 yard line. Brantley County faced a 4th-and-3 and coach Mark Walker decide to go for it. As the Heron runner ran off the right tackle, a swarm of Blue Tide defenders hit the back, ending the drive.
The Blue Tide moved the ball to their 40 yard line, but faced a long fourth down call, so coach Kyle Wilson decided to punt. Unfortunately, the Herons blocked the punt, and took the ball in for their third score.
On the ensuing kickoff, Blue Tide deep man, Danta Wright had a big return, taking the ball to mid-field, with just over five minutes left in the half.
On this series, tailback Brandon Hope took the rock on a big run to the Brantley 22 yard line. Then Turner linked up with Jones for a 21-yard reception. The Tide stood at first and goal.
Two plays later, Turner saw the middle was weak, and followed the center across the goal line. The point after attempt failed.
Brantley put up another score in the second period, so it was 27-6 at the half.
The Herons added another score in the third period, but as they have all year, the Blue Tide fought on. Nether team’s offense was able to do much in the second half, due to both teams defense stepping up.
But for Long County, the play of the game occurred with just over two minutes left in the game. Despite being up big, Brantley was trying to add to their lead. As the Heron quarterback dropped back into the pocket he attempted to hit one of his wide-outs in the flat. Instead, the Blue Tide’s Juwann Hawkins picked off the pass and raced 64 yards for a Long County TD.
With the loss, the Blue Tide’s overall record fell to 1-6, and 0-4 in the 2-AA Region. Brantley County improved to 3-4, and 2-2 in the region.
After the game Wilson said, "We’re still having trouble in the red zone. We were down close twice and unable to score. We also are still making too many mistakes."
The coach said, "We lost the battle of field position. A fumble, our interception and the blocked punt in the first half, all of those all led to scores."
This Friday, Long County back on the road to the Appling County Pirates in Baxley. Pick up a Friday edition of the Coastal Courier for a preview on the game.