Tonight is a big night for the Long County football program with the Blue Tide face undefeated Bryan County in Pembroke and the Wildcat middle-school team playing its homecoming game in Ludowici.
Long County (1-3) is coming off a disappointing game Sept. 20 with Atkinson County at home, where the Blue Tide lost 25-18 in overtime. Though Long County fell to the Rebels, they played much better than they had in recent weeks. Against Atkinson, the Blue Tide offense consistently moved the ball, and their kick-return team provided good field position most of the night. Their defense also played better shutting out the Rebels in the first half.
However, in the second half, Long County allowed three touchdowns in regulation and another touchdown in OT.
Blue Tide head coach Ron Flott said that if his team is going to be successful against Bryan County (4-0), it will have to play smarter at critical times. On defense, Long County will need to wrap up when making tackles.  
Bryan County, currently ranked No. 13 in AA in the state by MaxPreps.com, is coming off a huge win over McIntosh County, 27-20.  They also have beaten Calvary Day (40-29), Toombs County (34-27) and Jeff Davis (38-0). Flott said that the Redskins are a good team and there will not be a lot of finesse in tonight’s game.
“They’re going to try and come out and cram the ball right down our throats. That’s going to be they’re game plan,” Flott said.
One of the Bryan County players who will try to achieve that goal will be running back Nick Scott. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2011 and 2012 and, according to MaxPreps.com, he has 506 yards this year and is averaging more than six yards a carry. Flott said that he is one of the best running backs that the Blue Tide will face this year.
“Nick Scott is going to get his (yards), but when we get our shot at him, we’ve got to wrap him up and make our tackles,” Flott said.
Tonight’s game begins at 7:30 p.m. in Pembroke.
But even though the high school team won’t be at home, fans in Ludowici still can watch some football as Long County Middle School will take on Midway Middle School at 7 p.m.