Walhalla thumps Blacksburg in opener

Walhalla defensive back Mike Brown intercepts a pass Friday night over the outstretched arms of Blacksburg wide receiver Rashad Earls. Walhalla won 27-8. Walhalla overpowered Blacksburg with its running game in a 27-8 victory Friday evening in the Wildcats' debut under new coach Mickey Moss.

Walhalla took advantage of three first half turnovers to build a 20-0 halftime lead.

Running back Meeshon Thompson scored on an 8-yard run on the game's first possession. Thompson finished with 101 yards rushing.

A bad snap and sack forced Blacksburg to punt out of the end zone midway through the second quarter. A muffed punt resulted in Walhalla taking over on the 6-yard line. Thompson scored on a 3-yard run two plays later.

Running back John Sharpe added a 27-yard run to give Walhalla a 20-0 halftime lead.

Blacksburg had three promising drives in the opening half end on a fumble, turnover on downs and an interception. The Wildcats finished with five turnovers on the night, including a fumble and interception on their first two drives of the second half.

"We turned the ball over and gave them a couple easy scores. We dug ourselves a hole that we couldn't get out of," Moss said. "Defensively, we didn't tackle very well."

Walhalla came into the game known for their passing game behind senior quarterback Rob Middleton. The Razorbacks rushed for 206 yards and threw sparingly against Blacksburg.

Middleton threw a 20- yard touchdown pass to tight end Jeremy Tally for a 27-0 lead with 10:33 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Moss said his team must spend more time in the weight room and get stronger so it can be more competitive against physical teams like Walhalla.

"Their weight room whipped our weight room," Moss said. "There were a lot of plays we couldn't get to on defense because of their strength up front."

Blacksburg players showed their fighting spirit in the fourth quarter.

Senior running back Brandon Wilson scored on a 32- yard run with 5:17 remaining in the fourth quarter. Rashad Earls scored on a two point conversion run to cut the lead to 27-8.

Earls executed a near perfect onsides kick immediately following the touchdown.

Blacksburg was unable to recover the onsides kick. Walhalla was able to run out the clock.

"It's just like anywhere new. It's going to take a while to get things established," Moss said. "We didn't quit, though. We kept fighting. That's one positive I can take from the game."

Blacksburg (0-1) opens the season with three straight home games. The Wildcats host South Stanly Friday at 7:30 p.m.