Wildcats want to send seniors out on a winning note

A playoff berth won't be on the line, but don't tell Blacksburg High Head Coach Robbie Blanton or Crescent's Troy Gamble this game isn't important.

"You always want to win the last game and build momentum for next year," Gamble said.

The Wildcats will be celebrating "Senior Night" and want a victory over Crescent to provide extra momentum heading into the offseason.

"This is the first time in a long time that we have gone into the last regular season game in a position where we weren't fighting for a playoff spot or a region championship," Blanton said. "We would like to send our seniors out with a good taste in their mouths by winning in their last game. A win will give our returning players something to build on next year."

Blanton said youthful inexperience describes Crescent.

"Crescent is very young," he said. "They graduated a lot of seniors last year. They are a young team that has gotten better as the year has gone along. They are better than their record."

Crescent quarterback Chris Pepper directs the team's run-oriented double Wing-T offense. Running back Ross Weller is the team's leading rusher with more than 700 yards.

Gamble said his team likes to grind it out on offense.

"We don't have the speed to break a big play," he said. "So, we just have to be patient."

Blanton said the Crescent offense is a concern.

"Even though we have seen the Wing-T offense a lot, it is still a hard offense to prepare for," Blanton said. "Crescent likes to run the ball outside instead of using a power running game. They have several running backs with a lot of carries and do a good job of distributing the ball. Their offensive line is real physical and does a good job of coming off the football."

Crescent's 4-3 defensive scheme is anchored by leading tackler Sergio Smith, who is garnering some interest from college scouts.

"They will try to stop our running game," Blanton said. "We will need to pass a lot more."

Blacksburg tailback Brandon Wilson severely sprained his ankle early in the third quarter against Chesnee shortly after topping the 100-yard mark. His absence means more carries for running back D.J. Geter, who has rushed for 320 yards this season, fullback Maurice Brown and top reserve Josh Ramirez.

"D.J. has done a good job running the football. He has done a better job of holding onto the football," Blanton said. "We will need to do a good job of distributing the football. We can't let Crescent have long sustained drives and eat up the clock after we have gone three and out."

Ultimately, Blanton believes the

winner of the game will

be decided in the trenches.

"Crescent plays a physical style of football," he

said. "They don't throw the football much. The team that wins the battle at the line of scrimmage will win the football game."