The Long County High School football team dropped a tough game Nov. 2 to McIntosh County, 30-19, in Ludowici.
The loss eliminated the Blue Tide from having a shot at the playoffs, but the team still has a chance to post their best season in the school’s history if they can pull out a win Friday at Metter.
In the McIntosh County game, the Buccaneers took an early 6-0 lead, but the Blue Tide fought back to tie the game at 6-6 at halftime.  In the third quarter, McIntosh County scored two touchdowns to extend its lead. Long County got as close as 18-13 with about three minutes left in the game, but the larger Buccaneer squad added two late touchdowns to pull away.  
With the loss, Long County fell to 4-5 overall and 3-5 in Region 2-AA, while McIntosh County improved to 7-2 and 7-1, respectively.  
Though the Tide were unable to pull out the win, LCHS Athletic Director Karen Swindell still praised their efforts up to this point in the season.
 “I am proud of our football program and we have earned a lot of respect this season,” she said. “The players have given an all-out effort every week, and teams don’t take us lightly any more … I would like to commend our coaching staff on their preparation all season, week after week they have devised a game plan where we have been in every game with an opportunity to win.”
Swindell said McIntosh County head coach Keith Gosse praised the direction of the football program and said that his team was in a dogfight all night.
 “I was proud of our players and coaching staff … they worked hard, and you can tell that Coach (Ron) Flott had the team prepared against McIntosh County,” she said.
The McIntosh game also was Senior Night for the football team, the cheerleading squad and the band.  Those recognized were:
* Football — Josh Berry, Jaleel Braggs, DeOnte’ Ellis, Luke Golden, Tyler Groover, Jeffery Hall, Delavin Hampton, Shawn Mills, T.J. Sims, Jacob Turner and Darius Woods.
* Cheerleading — Tiara Anderson, Jasmine Calhoun, Kirshana Calhoun, Shelby Clark, Raven rose, Chandra Southerland and Shavonta Turner.      
* Band — Kelli Bargeron, Sierra Blanchard, Dominique Blanton, Logan Chapmen, Demetrius Foreman, David Gilmore, Alex Henley, Jennifer Rower and Sean Sphar.
A preview of the Metter game will be in Friday’s Coastal Courier.
“We have a chance on Friday against Metter High School to set the record for most wins in a season,” Swindell said. “I hope the community comes out to show our Blue Tide pride and support for our football program.”