Blacksburg hangs tough during beach getaway

Brandon Wilson provided plenty of offensive fireworks in his first live action against an opponent this season.

The oft-injured senior running back got loose for a 60-yard touchdown run to highlight what coach Mickey Moss called a productive scrimmage in Myrtle Beach. Blacksburg played Class 4A West Florence and Class 3A Myrtle Beach Friday night following a spring invitation to participate in the team camp.

Moss felt Blacksburg held its own in the scrimmage.

"We played against two really good football teams," Moss said. "Our kids were competitive. We played tough. We didn't back down from anybody."

Coaches didn't keep scores or chart plays in the scrimmage.

Moss, who doubles as his team's offensive coordinator, installed a traditional two back offense.

"We are going to be very basic on offense for the first game," Moss said. "We will add more things to the playbook as the season progresses."

Blacksburg was tentative at times on offense and defense while players learn the schemes installed by a new coaching staff this spring. The Wildcats were intercepted once and fumbled the ball three times.

"We hit several big plays where we lost the ball after a hard tackle," Moss said. "I think once the kids get acclimated to what we want to do we will be alright."

Blacksburg showed it could move the ball against a big physical defense.

West Florence defensive end Malliciah Goodman and linebacker Avery Murray were among several Division I college prospects that played against Blacksburg. Goodman, a 6'4 255 pound defensive end, has committed to Clemson while Murray is a Maryland recruit.

"We moved the ball well at times against Myrtle Beach," Moss said. "We didn't have anyone seriously hurt."

While he focused on the positives, Moss said the football team remains a work in progress headed into this Friday's Iron City Football Jamboree on Blanton Field. Blacksburg opens the season Aug. 22 against Walhalla.

"We still have a lot of work to do," Moss said. "We really like these kids. They are giving good effort and are working hard."

Following the scrimmages, Blacksburg football players spent Friday night in the Myrtle Beach High School gym. The Wildcats practiced Saturday morning to work on their kickoff and punt coverage and establish their pregame warmup routine.

Blacksburg players had one thing left on their agenda before leaving home. After lunch in Myrtle Beach, the coaches let the football team spend a little time on the beach.

"We stopped by the beach before we went home," Moss said. "It was a good chance some of our kids to see the ocean for the first time. It was a good weekend."