Blacksburg players block a field goal in last week's jamboree. Special teams could be a factor in tonight's season opener against Walhalla. Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss has a good idea of what he has to work with headed into today's home opener against Walhalla.

This year's Blacksburg team is not the type to spread the field with four wide receivers and throw the football all over the place. It's a blue collar team of hard workers with big, strong linemen, which will rely on a ball control offense.

Blacksburg has just seven starters back from last year's 2-9 team. The Wildcats are more familiar with the Pro I offense Moss installed last year and hope experience on the defensive line will allow the team to be more successful defensively.

Blacksburg and Walhalla will kick off their season today at 7:30 p.m. at the Walhalla High School football stadium.

"We are real young. We have players who will start Friday night who have never played in a football game," Moss said. "We will keep it simple on offense. We can't really make a lot of mistakes if we want to win."

Turnovers were costly in last year's 27-8 loss to Walhalla. Blacksburg turned the ball over five times and fell behind 20-0 in the second quarter.

Last year is yesterday's news.

Walhalla had to replace 4-year starter Rob Middleton at quarterback and lost wide receiver Nick Tubbs to graduation. Middleton left school with every passing record in school history and Tubbs broke the school record for career receiving yards.

Walhalla will build this year's offense around an experienced offensive line and running back John Sharpe.

Walhalla is led on the offensive line by returning starters Jake Black at center and two year starters Garrett Kelly and Nathan Jackson. The Razorbacks moved former lineman Easton Smith to an H-Back position as an extra blocker for Sharpe, who will be the main ballcarrier. Sharpe will line up at wide receiver alongside Mike Brown, a top player in the Walhalla secondary.

Brown and senior defensive lineman Nathan Jackson are among nine starters returning on the defense.

Linebackers Ryan McDonald and Sharpe are among the top playmakers on defense.

Moss is most concerned about Walhalla's physical presence on the offensive and defensive lines.

"Walhalla looks real good on film," Moss said. "Walhalla is big and physical up front. This will be a challenge for our team."

Blacksburg does have experience on its own lines with senior defensive tackle Alex Campbell, a capable run stopper in the middle. Campbell will be joined by senior Brett Lanier on the defensive line and junior Ryan Greene at defensive end.

The secondary is led by rising junior Chase Hames, an All-Region selection last year. Chase will be joined by brother Nick Hames at cornerback and safety Raymond Ellis.

Nick Hames and Raymond Ellis are among many freshmen and sophomores who will play pivotal roles for Blacksburg this season.

"We don't have a lot of depth," Moss said. "We have several players who will eight quarter guys that will play with the junior varsity on Thursday and then suit up wth the varsity team on Friday nights."

Walhalla and Blacksburg are both unsettled at the quarterback position.

Walhalla has three players competing at quarterback. Blacksburg quarterbacks Joseph Upchurch and Treyvon Parker are in an even battle for the job.

Blacksburg will rely on a big, strong offensive line led by senior center Trevor Felkel and Campbell to find running room for several running backs. Chase Hames, Bradley Phillips, Raymond Ellis, Marquel Palmer and Josh Batten could all see time running the football.

While there are many unknowns, Moss said his team has shown a good attitude and commitment to playing football over the past several months.

"This is a great group of kids. They are a fun group," Moss said. "We are really enjoying coaching these kids in practice. We are looking forward to playing football."