This week is Homecoming for Bradwell, which is always an exciting time around the school, but the game also marks the halfway point of the regular season. For me that’s always been a good time for self-reflection. Looking back over the first four games, the positives are easy to see:

•The Tigers beat Liberty for the first time since 2004.

•The Tiger defense has been stingy, allowing less than two touchdowns per game.

•The Tiger offense has been very effective on the ground, with Kevin Harris rushing for almost 850 yards and nine touchdowns in four games.

•Kenneth Lockhart’s kicking has been a special teams highlight.

•The Tigers are 4-0.

I have to give praise to the coordinators and position coaches we have on staff. Defensive coordinator Ken Eldridge and offensive coordinator Chase Giddens have done a great job putting our players in positions to be successful, all of our position coaches have worked hard to teach and implement the game plans each week, and the players have bought in and are playing hard and with confidence. Special teams have been a weak spot for us this year, especially our snaps and punt protections, but that’s on me. The kids have worked hard to get it right. I just have to do a better job of making adjustments and coaching them up. You will see an improvement.

Last week’s game against Tattnall was different for everyone for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, a lot of people in Liberty County and Tattnall County faced hardship because of Hurricane Irma. There were many discussions about whether we’d even play the game, but in the end, it was decided that having the game would give both communities a break from all the problems stemming from the storm. We brought the kids in Thursday and Friday for practice, and we played well enough to win 24-13. It was a good opportunity for us to compete when things get off schedule, which is always a difficult thing to overcome.

The highlight of the game was Kevin Harris’ 335-yard, two-touchdown night, his second 300+ yard game of the season. He has almost 850 yards rushing and nine touchdowns through four games.

This week will be another abnormal week because of Homecoming, with Long County traveling to Olvey Field on Friday, and we’ll get after it again.

Last year, BI and LC finished the game in a tie; we are hoping for a better outcome this week for the Tigers. Long County is a tough team, and they are well coached. We all will have to ignore the distractions this week and play focused and with increased intensity.

The biggest thing that will help our players is fan support. Our players feed off the environment they are playing in, and we would love to have the stands full and the fans loud for every game. The Tigers are working their tails off every week to give you a good game on Friday night. Come give them support and cheer them on!

GO TIGERS!