Wildcats win (No.) one

Photo by SCOTT POWELL Dixie quarterback Jamaal Byers gets ready to fire a pass downfield Friday night as Blacksburg defensive back Chase Hames applies pressure. Blacksburg celebrated Homecoming with a 35-12 victory over Dixie. Blacksburg celebrated homecoming with plenty of big plays in a 35-12 victory Friday over Dixie.

The fireworks started on the first play when Josh Elmore hit a streaking Chris Hames down the sidelines for a 56- yard touchdown off a flea flicker pass. Rashad Earls, Blacksburg's Mr. Versatility, completed the 2-point conversion pass to Hames.

Earls saw time as a passer, receiver, defensive back and a special teams performer. He was one of many Blacksburg players that helped give coach Mickey Moss his first victory with the Wildcats.

"I'm happy for them. Our kids played well. It was nice to see them rewarded for their hard work," Moss said. "The opening play really set the tone for the game. It was a halfback pass that we had executed real good in practice. We thought it might help us. This is the first time in five weeks we have started the game with a lead."

Dixie had little to show for their own offensive production in the first half.

Dixie moved the ball all the way to the Blacksburg 20-yard line on their second possession before turning the ball over on downs. One play later, Dixie got the ball back when Jamaal Byers intercepted quarterback Darrell Walton at the 8- yard line.

A personal foul penalty sent Dixie backwards. The Blacksburg defense held and forced a field goal attempt from the 13-yard line.

Blacksburg's Ryan Greene blocked the field goal. His teammate Chase Hames alertly scooped up the football and returned it for an 87-yard touchdown.

The Wildcats used a little trickery with Walton, their starting quarterback, turning into a wide receiver to catch a 2-point conversion pass from Elmore for a 16-0 lead.

Fullback Josh Ramirez scored on a 70-yard touchdown run to give Blacksburg a 22-0 lead in the second quarter.

Dixie dominated possession on offense in both halves. Blacksburg ran only 24 offensive plays, including just six offensive plays in the first half.

Dixie got back into the game with a pair of scores before halftime.

Byers hit wide receiver Kyle Friddle for a 66-yard touchdown pass. After the Wildcats fumbled the kickoff, Dixie scored again behind strong running by Jamaury Norman and Mario Washington. Washington finished the drive with a 2-yard scoring run.

Blacksburg regained the momentum when Elmore scored on a 63-yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 28-12 on the first play of the second half.

Running back Brandon Wilson scampered 49-yards to set up the Wildcats last touchdown. He was tackled out of bounds near the goal line.

Tailback D.J. Geter scored from 2-yards out on the next play.

Blacksburg travels to Christ Church Friday for its region opener. Christ Church won 70-0 over Southside Christian on Friday.

"We still have a long way to go. We made some mistakes. We had a blown coverage on their first touchdown catch and muffed a kickoff that allowed them to score again," Moss said. "Our kids just need to keep working hard so we can do well in the region."