The Blue Tide’s 42-6 scrimmage victory Friday in Ludowici over the Montgomery County Eagles had the feel of a regular-season game. The game originally was slated for Thursday, but was moved to Friday because of bad weather. The rescheduling allowed more people to attend, and those who did were not disappointed.
Montgomery County got the ball first and after a four-and-out offensive series with a punt, the Blue Tide offense got the ball on its own 35- yard line. On the first play, quarterback Jacob Turner handed the ball off to tailback Josh Berry, who took it to the house with a 65-yard score.
After another four-and-out series by the Eagles, the Tide got the ball again at its own 30-yard line. A big 20-yard run by Turner moved the ball to midfield and after a couple more short runs, Long County again was deep in Eagle territory. Turner handed the ball off to Berry again and this time the senior took it in for a 28-yard score. Vanda Vareen added the 2-point conversion, and the Tide led 16-0.
Before the half was over, the Tide had scored touchdowns on five of their seven possessions. Berry took it in again for another long 59-yard score, and Turner and DeOnte Ellis also hit pay dirt. The Blue Tide defense shut down the Eagles and didn’t allow a first down in the half, putting Long County up 36-0 at the half.
In the second half, Blue Tide head coach Ron Flott sat most of his starters. Even with backups on the field, Brandon Scott put up one more score, and the defense didn’t allow a touchdown until the final play of the game, making the final score 42-6.
Afterward, Flott said he was pleased with the team’s performance.
“The kids played like they were coached to play. The defense played well. The offense executed like they were supposed to, and our seniors led the way. This team has a lot of class — every player. I’m proud of every one of them, and that’s a credit to their mom and dads,” Flott said.
The coach also said he was pleased with the team’s running game and the way his defensive unit team-tackled.
“Our running game looked good, and I liked the way our defense got 11 hats to where the ball was,” he said.
Flott also praised Montgomery County’s effort.
“I take my hat off to Montgomery County. They only had about 25 players tonight, and they fought until the end and showed a lot of class,” he said.
Flott did express a little concern regarding conditioning.
“We have to work a little harder. Next week, we have to be able to play for four full quarters,” he said.
This Friday, the Blue Tide are at home against Lanier County.