Landrum trips up Wildcats

Blacksburg's Bradley Phillips brings down Landrum quarterback Brandon Cannon Saturday. Two costly special teams errors and a season long inability to score points came back to haunt Blacksburg in a 22-7 loss Saturday against Landrum.

Both teams came out on fire in the first quarter, scoring two touchdowns in a 30-second span in a battle of playoff hopes. Blacksburg and Landrum needed the region win in order to have a chance at the third and final playoff spot in Region II-1A.

Landrum's Riley Parsons scored on a 95- yard punt return four minutes into the game. Blacksburg quickly answered with a 56-yard scoring run by tailback Brandon Wilson.

Josh Elmore hit the extra point to give Blacksburg a 7-6 lead with 8:12 remaining. The score remained this way until the third quarter when Landrum quarterback Brandon Cannon began to run the option effectively with running back Tyler Burrell against the Wildcats defense. Cannon finished the game with 142 yards rushing while Burrell had 62 yards.

A 33-yard punt by Blacksburg's Josh Batton allowed Landrum to take over on the 46-yard line.

Cannon got loose for a 41-yard run and scored on the next play on a 5-yard touchdown run to give Landrum a 12-7 lead with 6:43 left in the third quarter. The 2-point conversion failed.

Blacksburg had its only good scoring opportunity of the second half on the next possession. The Wildcats moved the ball to the Cardinals' 20 yard line on two long runs by Wilson and a 23-yard catch by Chris Hames on third down.

Blacksburg was unable to gain any positive yardage on its next series and turned the ball over on downs at the end of third quarter.

Landrum placekicker Jimbo Martin hit an 18-yard field goal to increase the lead to 15-7 with 8:22 left in the fourth quarter.

Elmore hit wide receiver Rashad Earls on a 24-yard catch on Blacksburg's next offensive series following the field goal. Elmore was sacked on fourth down to end the drive.

The Blacksburg defense was able to stop Landrum's offense.

However, Blacksburg's Chase Hames fumbled the punt on the 3-yard line.

Burrell scored on a 1-yard run for Landrum's final touchdown.

Hames returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards near midfield. The Wildcats were only able to get one first down before turning the ball over on downs.

Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss declined to comment following the game. The loss to Landrum ended Blacksburg's chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

Blacksburg (1-8) will end its season Friday with a home game against Southside Christian. Senior Night ceremonies are planned prior to the game.