The Long County High School football team got a jump on all of the other teams in the state by holding its first full-contact practice early Saturday.

The Blue Tide ran onto the field at 12:01 a.m. and held a full practice, which lasted until 1:30 a.m. Head coach Eric McNair said having the special practice helped motivate his team for the upcoming year.

“It motivated the boys to know that they were the first team in the state to take the field this year,” McNair said. “It also showed everyone else that we will not be out worked by any other team in the state.”

The practice began with the team warming up, then holding some blocking and tackling drills, followed by offensive and defense scrimmaging.

McNair said he was happy with the player’s effort during the practice.
“They showed a lot of intensity out there and did the things that we have been working on,” he said.

Though the team was able to get in its midnight practice, the Blue Tide Football Kick-Off Celebration that was scheduled for 6-10 p.m. Friday had to be postponed because of bad weather.

“I hate that we couldn’t have our kickoff celebration, but we are looking into some possible dates to try and reschedule all of the planned activities,” McNair said.

Although the celebration was canceled, the team was still able to hold its Pig Drop Bingo Game. The winner of the $1,000 prize was Dewayne Wells.

McNair said he was thankful to all who purchased the tickets for the game. With their support, the Blue Tide raised $4,000 for team expenses.