Blacksburg making final plans for opener

The mission is fairly clear for Blacksburg in preparing for Friday's season opener against Walhalla.

Blacksburg's ability to pressure Walhalla senior quarterback Rob Middleton and avoid costly turnovers will go a long way to determining the game's outcome.

Middleton threw for 2,774 yards and 25 touchdowns as Walhalla set 20 offensive records with a shotgun passing attack in 2007. The senior quarterback returns for his third season leading the Razorbacks offense.

Walhalla returns 14 starters from last year's team that missed the playoffs with a 4-6 record.

The Razorbacks return eight starters on offense.

The quarterback's efficiency is one of the first things that comes to mind when Blacksburg head coach Mickey Moss discusses Walhalla.

"Their quarterback is outstanding. He is a returning starter who is tall, athletic and has a very good understanding of their offense," Moss said. "We have to be able to put pressure on their quarterback. If we can disrupt his rhythm, I think that will help us a lot."

Walhalla will throw the ball 80 percent of the time from their spread offense.

Photo by RODGER PAINTER Blacksburg quarterback Darrell Walton is tackled by a Cherryville during last Friday's Iron City Jamboree. But the Razorbacks have put added emphasis on developing a more productive running game to keep from being one dimensional.

Running backs Meeshon Thompson, Andrew Broome and John Sharpe will run behind a veteran Walhalla offensive line.

Nick Tubbs is the top candidate at wide receiver to replace Jacob Lee, who graduated in June as the school's all-time leading receiver.

Blacksburg remains a work in progress on offense and defense headed into the season opener, according to Moss. Blacksburg players are still learning the run-oriented offense and 4-3 defense the new coaching staff installed this spring.

"We still have a lot of work to do. We are not polished on offense and defense," Moss said. "We are making too many mistakes. We will keep it simple on offense and play as much of our base defense as we can."

Moss has a better idea of what to expect from Walhalla following last weekend's film sessions.

"Walhalla is a big football team," Moss said. "They are strong and real physical."

Defensively, Walhalla runs a 4-4 defense.

Senior defensive back John Sharpe and junior defensive lineman Nathan Jackson are the top defensive players for the Razorbacks.

"Walhalla has good linebackers, defensive ends and defensive tackles," Moss said. "They are solid in the secondary. They really don't have a lot of weak areas."

While he would like another week to prepare, Moss said the Blacksburg football team will line up and give their best effort against Walhalla.

"Our kids will play hard," Moss said. "I have been pleased with our kids effort. I just wish we had a little more time."