Blacksburg coaches search for winning combination

"We are just trying to get better every day." - Mickey Moss Chase Hames rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns as the Blacksburg junior varsity beat Indian Land, 28-8, earlier this month.

His electrifying performance prompted Blacksburg varsity head football coach Mickey Moss to give the sophomore cornerback playing time at tailback against Chesnee the following week.

Hames was joined in the backfield that game by fullback Bradley Phillips, who scored the Wildcats first touchdown in their win over Indian Land. Phillips led the team with 28 yards on seven carries in a 55-0 loss to Chesnee. The running backs represent part of the future for Blacksburg's football program. The present involves old-fashioned work on fundamentals in blocking and tackling.

Blacksburg is off this Friday after playing an early game against Walhalla.The Wildcats travel to Woodruff on Sept. 26 for the latest test in a traditionally tough nonconference schedule.

"Woodruff will be another tough draw," Moss said. "Woodruff is a very good team and will be a challenge for our football team." Blacksburg football players have not taken any breaks. They have practiced every day this week.

"This has been a good week. We have been able to get players healthy and have really worked hard in practice," Moss said. "We have spent a lot of time on fundamentals and correcting mistakes that we have made in games. Until our players learn to block and tackle, we will stay with the basics."

Blacksburg will get a boost against Woodruff with the return of fullback and middle linebacker Josh Ramirez.

Ramirez has not played the past three games after being held out by doctors due to an illness. Doctors cleared Ramirez to play football on Thursday.

Blacksburg quarterback Darrell Walton has thrown 10 interceptions as turnovers have put the Wildcats in tough positions early in games. Wide receiver Chris Hames has been the most productive player statistically with eight catches for 180 yards.

But Moss will continue to emphasize the importance of hard work, toughness and a good work ethic. The coach is building his football program with an emphasis on hard work, a power running game and tough defense.

"We are just trying to get a little better every day. When you are building a new program, it takes a while," Moss said. "We are seeing improvement. We have to keep working hard so we will be ready for the region competition."