The Long County Blue Tide football team is looking to get back in the win column as they host the Liberty County Panthers this week for their annual homecoming game. The Tide (1-6, 0-2) are coming off a 41-0 loss to the Pierce County Bears last week, their fourth straight game being shut out, while the Panthers (4-1, 1-1) are coming off their first loss of the season: a 21-6 loss to Appling County.

The Tide have had success on the ground so far this year, averaging just over 150 yards a game, with sophomore running back Tony Phillips leading the way. However, they have allowed nearly 200 yards a game defensively. The team has not found the endzone since their 55-0 win over Bryan County in early September.

Liberty County has missed out on two games this year due to weather, but has made the most of their games when they have played. The Panthers have won games by an average of 33.5 points a game. They rush for nearly 280 yards a game, being led by senior running back Markel Johnson with 520 yards on the season.

Long County will celebrate homecoming at halftime of their game against Liberty County. They will crown a queen from seven seniors: Alexis Duncan, Chante Thomas, Katerin Rapalo, Veanney Gomez, Mellisa Cruz, Ainsley Dawson, and Andrea Chavez.

The Blue Tide and Panthers will hit the field at Veterans’ Stadium in Ludowici on Friday, October 25 with a 7:30 kickoff time.