After an offseason that included a coaching change and a lot of turnover in players and staff, it was therapeutic to get back to playing football.
The Marlboro County High team took the field Friday and, after an early hiccup, cruised past Ridgeland - Hardeeville, 40-14. Now, the routine of the regular season can begin.
"It has been a little hectic for all of us," said head coach Bobby Collins, who took over the program in April after the resignation of Dean Boyd.
"Now that we are playing and the season's underway, if feels much more comfortable, more like home," said Collins.
In getting a win in his first game, Collins achieved something neither of his two predecessors accomplished. It took Boyd seven games to get his first victory as the MCHS coach. Reed Charpia got a win in the fifth game of the inaugural season.
"I'm sure it is a completely different circumstance. We're just glad to get off on the right foot," said Collins.