Intrasquad game will end drills for 'Cats

Blacksburg football players will celebrate the end of spring practice May 23 with an intrasquad game.

There is no charge to attend the spring game at 7 p.m. in T.A. Campbell Stadium. Players will be split evenly into two teams for the contest.

"We are just going to let the players have fun and enjoy a game of football," Blacksburg head football coach Mickey Moss said.

Nearly 100 players came out for the first day of spring practice on Monday. This figure was a more manageable 70 players when coaches ran their final practice without pads on Wednesday.

Players have been involved in three hour practices focused primarily on teaching the fundamentals of blocking, tackling and proper alignment on defense and offense. The coaching staff has been working with players in grades 9-12 with no distinction between the varsity and junior varsity.

"The coaches are having a lot of fun with these kids. The kids are showing a lot of enthusiasm on the football field," Moss said. "We are as basic as you can be right now. We hope to have our basic offensive and defensive package installed this spring. Every position is open, including special teams."

The Blacksburg High football staff was completed this week with the addition of new defensive line coach Mark Tillotson.

Tillotson was an assistant coach with Moss for 12 years at Lake City and one year at Wren high schools. Most recently, Tillotson was the head varsity wrestling coach and an assistant football coach at Byrnes High in Spartanburg.

"I am excited to have Mark on my coaching staff here," Moss said. "I have worked with him for many years. He is very knowledgeable and experienced."

After most players hit the showers, Moss stayed on the football field and spent another 30 minutes with players interested in being long snappers.

Kickers will get extra work when practice ends today.

It's all part of the process of building a football program.