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.

After the final frustrating seconds ticked off the clock at Myrtle Beach's Doug Shaw Stadium, Marlboro County head coach led his team behind the visitor's stands, looking to get away from the blaring sound system.
His season-ending speech to the team had a different feel than in years past.  Somehow, there was truly a sense of finality to it.  
The "we'll get back to work and beat these guys next year" address didn't have its usual iron-will grit.  The team seemed to perceive it, as did the rest of the coaching staff and fans.
In early February, Boyd announced that he was leaving Marlboro County after 22 years, returning to his hometown of York.
After a two-month search, Lancaster High head coach Bobby Collins was introduced as the new lead Dog.  
With only a couple of weeks to p

Last Thursday evening the Marlboro County High football team had their first opportunity to play against a live opponent.  The team traveled to Buford High School near Lancaster for a two-team scrimmage.
"I thought we looked pretty good on both sides of the ball last Thursday.  We had some big plays on offense and the defense was solid for most of the scrimmage," said coach Collins.
The Bulldogs scored against Buford on several long runs right up the middle of the defense.  Ismael Sloan and Jacardo Riggins led the rushing attack.
The passing game also got in the scoring act, with the Bulldogs hitting a screen pass for a 60-yard touchdown later in the scrimmage.
On defense, the Bulldogs limited the Yellow Jackets to short yardage for much of the scrimmage.
Late in the action, Buford did have a long run and also scored on a pass when the Bulldogs’ defensive backs had a breakdown in coverage.

While it may seem that the summer just hit its stride, for football fans early August is tantalizingly close to the kickoff of the  action.
The Marlboro County High School football team opened preseason practice last Friday and have been working out in the mornings this week.
"Overall, I'm pleased with where we are.  Summer drills were productive and we have most of the offense installed now," said head coach Bobby Collins, who will be in his first season with the Bulldogs.
"On day one, everybody showed up, which is always a plus.  Day two (Saturday) the intensity and enthusiasm went up, which is a key," said Collins.
The third practice being on Monday, was somewhat less spirited but productive nonetheless.

For most folks, it is mid-summer but for high school football coaches, it is only a couple of weeks before the start of fall.
As they wrap up their offseason, a number of the area's coaches were in Bennettsville Monday for the media day for the Dennis Miller Jamboree of Champions.  The annual exhibition will be played August 16 at McAlpine Stadium.
"There have been some state rule changes this year and teams are much more limited with the number of scrimmages and jamborees that they can participate in.  I am grateful that the other 13 teams agreed to participate in our jamboree," said MCHS head coach Bobby Collins.
The event, named in memory of longtime recreation director and Bulldog booster Dennis Miller, will feature six head coaches who are in their first seasons at their respective schools, including Collins.