Blacksburg football coach Mickey Moss encourages players on July 13 during an agility drill designed to improve footwork. The football team starts practice Friday in preparation for the 2009 season. On a hot Wednesday afternoon in mid-July, Blacksburg football players were busy running stairs and sidestepping obstacles before another trip to the weightroom.

There is little glory in the weightlifting and conditioning runs which mark the summer for today's high school football teams. The payoff in potential victories begins Friday when Blacksburg opens practice for the 2009 season.

Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss said he expects 30 to 32 players will practice with the varsity. These are the same players who participated in the football team's winter and summer workout program.

"Football has become a year-round sport. Players have to make a commitment to work hard throughout the offseason in order to be competitive," Moss said. "We have been very pleased with our players effort this summer. They have worked hard in the weight room and gotten stronger."

Senior defensive lineman Alex Campbell, defensive back Chase Hames, and fullback Bradley Phillips are among the returning players expected to contribute this season.

The Wildcats are preparing Joseph Upchurch and Trevonne Parker at quarterback.

Hames prepares for more playing time at running back after playing primarily in the secondary in 2008.

Blacksburg has size and youth on the offensive line along with an improved understanding of the team's offense. The two back Pro I offense was brand new to players when Moss and his staff came on board last spring.

"We like our offensive line," Moss said. "We have a group of good kids who work hard. Hopefully, we will be able to move the ball better on offense."

Alex Campbell heads an experienced defensive line. The secondary is led by Hames, an All- Region selection at defensive back as a sophomore.

Blacksburg scored six touchdowns in a passing league on June 30 with Indian Land, coached by former GHS assistant Michael Mayer.

Each team started from the 40-yard line and had four downs to reach the 20-yard line for an additional series. The teams changed possessions following each score.

"We were very pleased with our outing against Indian Land," Moss said. "We are real excited about this year's team."