After facing the ninth-ranked 2-AA team in the state last week, one would think Long County would have an easier opponent this week.
Unfortunately for the Blue Tide, that’s not the way the schedule works.
After taking on powerhouse Benedictine Military School last week, Long County has another daunting challenge at 7:30 tonight as it faces Vidalia in Toombs County.
On paper, the Indians clearly are the favorite in this matchup, coming into the game with a 2-0 overall record and a 1-0 Region 2-AA. They also come into the game as the No. 8 AA team in the state, according to MaxPreps. Two weeks ago, Vidalia beat a good West Laurens High School, 27-3, in its opener and manhandled McIntosh Academy, 35-7, last week. The Indians are averaging a whopping 31 points a game on offense and allowing less than a touchdown on defense. History also is on Vidalia’s side. The Indians have won all three games against the Blue Tide, including last year’s 40-6 victory.
The Blue Tide go into tonight’s game with a 1-1 overall record and a 0-1 region mark. Two weeks ago, they opened with a 16-12 win over Lanier County, but last week lost handedly to Benedictine, 49-0. In the first half against the Cadets, Long County was unable to move the ball, but in the second half the offense got inside their opponents’ 10- and 30-yard line.
The Blue Tide are averaging eight points on offense, while giving up 31 points. If Long County is going to compete with Vidalia, they are going to have to eat up the clock on offense by stringing first downs together to keep the Indian scoring machine on the sidelines. When the Blue Tide is on defense, they are going to need to create a turnover or two, and keep containment on the outside.
Blue Tide face another ranked team, travel to Vidalia tonight
Sign up for our e-newsletters