First night a success for Moss, Wildcats

Photo by RODGER PAINTER A Blacksburg ball carrier fights for tough yards during Friday's Iron City Jamboree against Cherryville (N.C.). The game ended in a 6-6 tie. When Blacksburg head coach Mickey Moss was hired a few months ago, he promised the Wildcats would return to the workmanlike mentality the program had earned through the years.

Such tough play was on display Friday night for Blacksburg, as Moss' squad fought to a 6-6 tie with Cherryville (N.C.).

Down by six points in the final minutes, Josh Ramirez was able to cross the goal line to tie the game.

D.J. Jeter put the Wildcats in a position to tie the game after a 42-yard run. The running back led the team with 45 yards on five carries.

Moss said he was encouraged by how the team responded during crunch time.

"It was a real good start," Moss said. "We wanted the kids to play hard and they went out and did as asked."

But the coach also pointed out several things his Wildcats squad needed to improve on before their opener this week.

"We still have to learn to maintain blocks and make sure to hold on to the ball," Moss said. "They are still learning, which is normal when a new system arrives in town."

Coaches are now dissecting game tapes for Walhalla.

"We don't have everything in; nor will they," Moss said. "These kids know what we are trying to do.

"We'll have them as ready as can be."