Special teams to receive focus from Moss in spring practice
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Special teams will receive extra attention from Blacksburg football coach Mickey Moss when spring practice begins Monday.

The kicking game is a top priority along with teaching the new offense and defense Blacksburg will run in its return to Class A competition this fall.

The Wildcats will play their usual tough nonconference schedule with games against Woodruff, Chesnee, Walhalla and a visit from South Stanly in North Carolina.

Moss started his new job as Blacksburg football coach in April following four seasons at Wren in Anderson. The Wildcats finished with a 3-7 record last year, winning three of their last four games.

Special teams is one area where Moss believes taking care of the little things can make a big difference in the final outcome.

He mentions the 2004 season at Wren when missed extra points were a factor in losing three football games by a total of five points.

"We want to install our base offense and defense this spring," Moss said. "We want to find a kicker, punter and long snapper. If we can get this done, I will feel real good about spring practice."

Two assistants from his staff at Wren will help Moss install a two back offense and 4-3 defensive scheme this spring.

Drew Chisholm is the Blacksburg offensive line coach. Tony Sullivan will serve as the team's defensive coordinator.

"We will be a multiple offense that will run the football," Moss said.

Returning players will be working with some familiar faces this spring. Six assistant coaches from previous coach Robbie Blanton's staff will be back roaming the sidelines as the Mickey Moss era begins.

Blacksburg spring football practice will run through May 23.

Moss said his coaching staff will focus on teaching and helping players improve this spring rather than determining the starting lineup for the season opener.

"We will spend a lot of time teaching and working on the fundamentals of blocking and tackling," he said. "We will take a look at the talent level this spring and see where players can best help us at different positions."

Moss is thrilled to be back on the football field where he played under coach Bob Blanton.

He looks forward to getting to know this year's players in spring practice.

"Blacksburg is a special place to me. I have a lot of memories from playing football and baseball on the stadium field," Moss said. "I have so many connections from those days. It has been a real joy to come home and see my friends and family again."