The Long County High School football team had its annual Junior Blue Tide Football Camp last week. This year, 13 local boys came out to learn about gridiron play. The camp was started in 2006 by Blue Tide head football coach Kyle Wilson.

The coach said he tries to make sure participants have fun while learning football fundamentals and drills. Most campers were between the ages of 8-13, but younger players were allowed to participate with special permission from Wilson and parental consent.

The campers took part in agility drills and worked on passing, punting, catching and kicking. Coaches also worked one-on-one with kids, teaching them proper stances and how to make a safe tackle.

The camp ran from 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Wednesday on the Blue Tide’s practice field.

"We had some good kids out here this year and they had a great time," Wilson said.

This year, the punt, pass and kick competition was added to the camp, allowing participants to showcase their skills in several areas. In the competition’s 10-and-older division, Christian Bass won the punting/kicking category, Gabriel Vargas won the L drill and 40-yard dash categories, and John Tria won the passing and pro agility drill categories.

In the 9-and-younger division, Tavon Anderson won the pro agility drill, the L drill and the 40-yard dash categories, Mac Wilson won the passing and punting categories, and Clarrett Bleyman won the kicking competition.

"There were no injuries. Everyone made it through the camp safe and had a good time," Blue Tide coach Jon Willoughby said. "The kids enjoyed the punt, pass and kick competition, too, and hopefully next year we’ll have even more come out."

Members of the Blue Tide football team assisted coaches at the camp and sold Blue Tide discount cards, which entitle cardholders to discounts at local stores and eateries in Ludowici and Hinesville.