The Long County High School football team went to Camden County last Friday where they participated in a seven-on-seven football tournament. The action gave fans a sneak peek at the up-and-coming stars for the 2009 season.

"The boys did great on offense and defense. We expected to do well on offense, but I was really pleased that we did well defensively, too," head coach Kyle Wilson said.

The coach attributes the improvement on defense to a new cover-two defense that the team is working with. "It’s not a cover-two in the traditional since, but that’s what we’re calling it."

Wilson said during the tournament he worked with last year’s starting quarterback, Jake Durham, and also with Justin Boyd in the QB position. Both seniors played well.

However, Wilson wouldn’t reveal who will be the starting quarterback for the upcoming season. "Well, both will see substantial playing time in the position and it will depend on the situation, as to who will be in at quarterback."

Last year Boyd served as a "multi-position" player, lining up at quarterback, running back and wide receiver.

"Both will be on the field the majority of the time and when there is a switch (at quarterback), the other one will just line up as a receiver," Wilson said.

Having Durham and Boyd both able to play QB comes in handy for the coaches, but at the wide receiver position, depth is a big consideration.

The Blue Tide lost seniors Ricky Rivera and Stevie Harrison last year, so they have some big shoes to fill.

According to Wilson, Boyd will be instrumental in taking up a lot of the slack, as will Donte Brown, who will serve as the team’s other primary receiver.

"Donte will hopefully step up to assume that role, and we also are hoping that Jermaine Gibbs steps up and sees a lot of playing time," Wilson said.

Brown, a senior this year, saw plenty of action last year but Gibbs, who is a sophomore, this have his first varsity experience.

"Jermaine has great speed and good hands. We’ll be using him more as an H-back, with Donte and Justin being the two main receivers," the coach said.

Next week the Blue Tide will get more time to work on their passing offense and defense as the squads take on Wayne County, Pierce County and Brunswick High School in more seven-on-seven action.