The Long County football team kicked off spring training Friday with 98 players taking to the field.
Temperatures were hot, but head coach Eric McNair said the kids did a good job.

“I saw a lot of great effort with kids wanting to get better and to learn,” he said.
McNair said the goal of the spring program is to see how far the players have progressed since the team’s last season, and to have an idea of who will be working out during the summer.
“We have made a lot of gains in the weight room and after-school conditioning, and want to see that on the field,” McNair said. “Also, it gives us a clear picture of where the pieces are going to fit, as far as who will play where, as we go into our summer program.”

The coach said spring training will end on May 13 with the highlight of the two-week session, the annual Blue/White Scrimmage.
“How far we go during spring, will determine how game-like the scrimmage will be,” McNair said.
The scrimmage will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Veterans Stadium. Admission costs a box or bottle of laundry detergent per person. McNair said the soap helps wash uniforms and gear throughout the season.

The Long County football team went 3-7 overall last season and 2-5 in the Region 2-AA. The team is losing 14 players to graduation this month, but should have 19 juniors returning as seniors. Several sophomores and freshmen, who saw extensive playing time last year, are also expected back.

One big change for the Blue Tide next year will be a move from the 2-AA into Region 2-AAA. Long County’s first game is scheduled for Sept. 2 against Jeff Davis in Hazlehurst.

Go to www.coastalcourier.com to see more pictures from the spring training.