The uniforms and pads are coming out of storage, the cleats are being laced up and the Hinesville Hurricanes are gearing up to defend their 2011 Southeastern American Football League title.
Founded in 1999, the Hurricanes earned their first crown by defeating the Anderson Red Dawgs, 20-14, in last year’s championship game in September.
Sporting their rings, the players have been gathering at Live Oak Church for evening practice sessions and they plan to host a preseason game against the Beaufort Hornets at 2 p.m. May 14 on Fort Stewart
The team, which includes a number of former standouts from both Bradwell Institute and Liberty County High School, will kick off the regular season at 7 p.m. June 18.
The Hurricanes will take on the visiting Darlington Warriors from South Carolina in the regular season opener.

2011 regular-season
schedule
June 18 vs. Darlington Warriors
June 25 at Savannah Venom
July 9 vs. Tri-County Panthers
July 16 at Anderson Red Dawgs
July 23 vs. Carolina Thunder
July 30 at Darlington Warriors
Aug. 6 vs. Savannah Venom
Aug. 13 at Tri-County Panthers
Aug. 20 vs. Anderson Red Dawgs
Aug. 27 vs. Carolina Thunder
All games begin at 7 p.m., and all home games are at Long Bell Stadium at the Liberty County Recreation Department off Highway 84, adjacent to the National Guard Armory.