Last week, the Long County High School football team dropped its fourth consecutive game with a lopsided 47-0 loss to Vidalia, bringing the Blue Tide’s overall record 1-4.

Though the Vidalia squad outplayed the Tide, Long County’s list of injured and banged-up players didn’t help matters. This week is the Blue Tide’s open week and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Long County’s players are younger and smaller than most of their opponents. And, unfortunately, the second half of the season won’t be any easier than the first, but the Tide will have the advantage of playing three of their last five games at home.

On Oct. 8, the Pierce County Bears come to town. Long County has never beaten the Bears, but Pierce is struggling this year. They have a 1-3 record and the squad is allowing a lot of points to be scored. This could be the year the Tide notches that first win.

On Oct. 15, the Blue Tide host Brantley County. Long County has won two of the last three games against the Herons, but last year the birds won 47-7. Brantley is 1-3 right now, but their three losses have come at the hands of three tough teams — Charlton, Clinch and Appling counties.