Southside Christian and Blacksburg could be excused if the players have double vision later this season.

In a scheduling quirk, Southside Christian and Blacksburg will play each other twice this season. The Sabres come to Wildcat land Friday at 7:30 p.m. in a nonregion contest at T.A. Campbell Stadium.

Blacksburg will travel to the Simpsonville school on Oct. 30 for the final regular season game. While the last meeting is a region game, tonight's game is

equally important for both teams in their efforts to have a winning season.

Southside Christian is coming

off an emotional

7-6 victory over Dixie High in their season opener. It was Southside Christian's first win in three seasons and came with their coach Steve Lockwood out of town following the death of his mother-in-law last week.

The Sabres offense misfired through most of last week's game before coming to life with the team trailing 6-0 entering the fourth quarter.

Running back Chris Luke scored on a two yard run with 5:05 remaining to finish off a 14-play, 73-yard drive. Placekicker Trey Walpole made the extra point for the final margin of victory. While Luke was the workhorse on the drive, quarterback Thaddeus Morgan rushed for 22 yards and completed his only two passes during the Southside Christian scoring march. Morgan finished with 99 yards in total offense, including 66 yards rushing.

"Southside Christian is a really good football team," Blacksburg football coach Mickey Moss said. "They are much improved over last year."

In last week's victory, Southside Christian relied on the same type of ball control offense that Blacksburg ran effectively in the first half against Walhalla. Blacksburg dominated possession for much of the opening half before giving up a 75-yard kickoff return and 46-yard punt return.

Walhalla scored touchdowns following both returns for a 20-6 halftime lead.

Blacksburg coaches have spent extra time working to improve their special teams and correct mistakes from last week's 41-14 loss to Walhalla. The Wildcats had six freshmen and five seniors play in their first varsity game last week.

The biggest challenge for Blacksburg is finding enough healthy players for the game against Southside Christian.

Depth issues have been compounded this week with many team members battling the flu. A total of 26 players have missed school with the flu this week.

"It's been tough preparing to play a game when we are missing half of the football team because they are home sick with the flu," Moss said. "We have several players who won't be able to practice until Monday."

Ninth grader Treyvon Parker will be the starting quarterback against Southside Christian.

Parker steps in for quarterback Joseph Upchurch, who is suspended for the game after being ejected from the Walhalla game.

There will be other lineup changes to get a healthy team on the field to compete against Southside Christian.

GAME AT A GLANCE

SABRES VS. WILDCATS

Southside Christian (1-0) at

Blacksburg (0-1)

Players to Watch: Blacksburg QB Treyvon Parker, RB Chase Hames, DL Alex Campbell Southside Christian QB Thaddeus Morgan, RB Chris Luke.

The Wildcats will win - if they limit their turnovers and avoid a fourth-quarter collapse due to fatigue.

The Sabres will win - if they move the ball consistently on the Wildcats and finish off scoring drives.