Hinesville’s semi-pro football team, the Hurricanes, will play the Beaufort Broncos at 5 p.m. tomorrow in a free game to honor the military community on Armed Forces Day. The game is at the youth football field.
Hurricane head coach James Sharp said the Garrison Sgt. Maj. James Ervin will do the official coin toss before the game. Sharp said there will be plenty of food for sale at the concession stand, including hotdogs, fried fish, beverages and ribs.
Sharp said he expects a good crowd. He has received calls from as far away as Ridgeland, S.C., asking for directions to the stadium.
The head coach said the pre-season game is an opportunity to analyze his team. He said practices have been difficult due to the players’ work schedule.
“We are trying to make sure we have our offense and defense in tune for the season,” Sharp said.
He said they are also looking to add a few more military players before their roster cutoff date on May 31.
“We are trying to recruit as many military players as we can,” he added. “The 31st of May is our cutoff and we can’t pick up any players after that so we are hoping those military folks interested in playing will come out and watch the game and become enthusiastic to join in.”
Sharp said the Hurricanes have a heavy schedule this season with trips scheduled for Myrtle Beach, Anderson, S.C., Middle Georgia and Tri-County.
“Some of the coaches from the other teams have already called us to scout the games before we play them,” he said. “You can come out there and watch all you want to but when it comes down to it you have to play ball. So I don’t have a problem with them coming to scout us out.”
Defensive coordinator Jade Richards said he will use the game to analyze the defensive line. He said it’s the only spot on the defense with gaps to fill. The rest of his defense is set.
“We will basically be in a 4-3 defense,” Richards said. “That will be our basic set up scheme. We definitely have speed and quickness. Good reaction to the ball and keying on the quarterback. I’m really impressed with the defense. I’m confident they will play well. Our linebackers and cornerbacks set beautifully.”
The O-line is where offensive coordinator Bobby Hawes will focus his attention, but he said the offense has made strides since they started practice in mid-March.
“I tell you, they’ve come a mighty long way,” Hawes said. “The guys have really embraced the system that we have in place. They’ve adjusted to the plays we are running. Most of our offense is a West Coast style offense and power football. We do have two big full backs and a very talented quarterback in Frank Troupe and definitely some skilled receivers on both sides of the field. We’ve come a long way but we have a small way to go. But I think we can line up against any football team and we will give them a challenge.”

 Looking to fill the void for the five men up front Hawes said he will do his best to find the blockers.
“At the end of the day I think we can find five men to put up front and block and have a very successful season,” he said.