"We are going to have to put more people in the box. We must also play more physical." - Robbie Blanton Blacksburg head coach Southside coach Fe Cowan sees a mirror image of his team when he looks at the Blacksburg Wildcats.

"Blacksburg is a lot like us," Cowan said. "They are looking for an identity. Both teams have to cut down their mistakes."

Despite their records, both teams still hold out hope to secure a playoff spot. The Wildcats are winless in the region (0- 4), while Southside has only a win over lowly Carolina to show for their efforts.

"We have to win two or three of our next games to get into the playoffs," Cowan said. "The team that loses this game is probably out of it."

The Tigers' defense has been a major disappointment. A strength coming into the season has turned into a huge problem spot, Cowan said.

"We are giving up too many yards on the ground," the Southside coach said. "Our defense was supposed to be our strength."

Despite the inconsistent play from the other players on the unit, linebacker Travis Anderson and free safety Tavarius Blakely have been standouts, according to Cowan.

Blacksburg coach Robbie Blanton said the Tiger defense looks formidable to him.

"They are big up front and have people who can run," he said. "They also like to blitz a lot."

The Tigers are one-dimensional on offense, relying on the wishbone formation to move the ball.

Drek Clement is the quarterback, while Urian Parks is the team's top running threat.

"They like to run the ball," Blanton said. "They are big up front and they have quick people who can make plays."

Blanton said the strategy is simple to stop the wishbone - commit more players to stopping the run.

"We are going to have to put more people in the box," Blanton said. "We must also play more physical."

Cowan said he feels comfortable with Clement under center.

"We've run through a few quarterbacks but we have finally settled on Clement," he said. "We've been able to establish our running game with him."

The Wildcats weren't able to establish anything in a lopsided loss at Broome last week.

"We knew Broome would be tough," Blanton said. "But the next few weeks we have a chance to win these games."

But the Wildcats must run the ball effectively - something they haven't been able to do during their losing streak.

Blacksburg must also eliminate penalties that have stalled promising drives.

"We have to execute and we can't beat ourselves," the Blacksburg coach said.

The Wildcats defense should get a boost with the return of nose guard DeWitt Ford, a run stopper who weighs nearly 300 pounds.

"It will be good to have DeWitt back," Blanton said. "He's a force on the defensive line."

The Wildcats will be celebrating Homecoming at today's game. The school will also honor the 1976 state championship team.

Southside (2-5, 1-2) at Blacksburg (3-4, 0-4)

Players to Watch - Blacksburg - QB Gary Gaut, RB Manny Ford, DL DeWitt Ford, LB Cameron Duffie, WR Tim Boyd. Southside QB Drek Clement, RB Urian Parks, LB Travis Anderson, FS Tavarius Blakely.

What the Wildcats must do to win - stop the Tigers running game and force Clement to throw the ball.

What the Tigers must do to win - control the clock with their running game.