The Long County High School football team opens its 2015 regular season Friday against Tattnall County in Reidsville. The year also ushers in a new era for the Blue Tide, with new head coach Eric McNair heading up the team.

The Blue Tide start the season with a tough road game. Three years ago, the Battle Creek Warriors moved from Region 2-AA into Region 1-AAA.  Since then, they have struggled to regain the dominance they had the smaller schools. Last year, they finished with a 5-5 overall record and a 1-5 mark in 1-AAA. When they played Long County in Ludowici, the home team dominated the first half, but after making defensive adjustments in the second half, the Warriors pulled out a 23-14 win.  

The Warriors have a 5-0 all-time record against the Tide, but Long County is narrowing the gap between the teams, as shown in last year’s game. This year, the Blue Tide are deep with experience on both sides of the ball, with all but two starters being either a junior or senior.

On offense, Long County will be led by senior Brendon Scott, who rushed for 1,447 yards last season, breaking the school’s rushing record.

Scott will line up at quarterback and attempt to get the ball into the hands of fellow senior running back Jaquarius Harrison.

Harrison was the second-leading rusher for the Tide last year and has big-play ability. On defense, Long County will depend on defensive lineman Darvis Holmes and linebacker Keishawn Wagner — both seniors — to lead the unit.

The squads appear to be evenly matched as far as rankings are concerned. According to MaxPreps.com, the Battle Creek Warriors are ranked No. 266 in the state, while the Blue Tide are No. 286.

In the AA state rankings, MaxPreps.com has Long County in the 32nd spot, while in the AAA rankings, Tattnall County is No. 33.  
Kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.