Blacksburg running back Lennal Dasher has been a force when healthy. But he's been hampered by a sprained ankle. Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss has done it before. And, given time, he’s confident he can do it again - build a winning football program, that is.

The Wildcats have struggled on the field and have seen their ranks dwindle by players quitting. But Moss said the players who have stayed have shown the mental and physical toughness to form the foundation for a winning program.

“We are trying to build a program and if we are given a chance we will,” the second-year coach said.

Moss said the team’s development has been slowed because of its reliance on youth and player defections.

“We are playing ninth-graders and sophomores and some kids who have never played before,” he said. “Yes, we have lost some kids but they had to learn they had to come to practice.”

Moss said the roster now is stocked with players who are committed.

“We are playing ninth and tenth graders but they have hung in there,” he said. “I’m just real proud of the young players. The kids are scrappy.”

Moss said the biggest disparity between the Wildcats and their opponents has been team speed.

“We are getting hurt with speed,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of openfield tackling ability.”

But Moss said the coaches have formed a bond with the players, especially the seniors, who will be honored Friday during a ceremony.

“We have 10 great seniors,” the Blacksburg coach said. “It’s been a joy to work with them. They still come to practice everyday with good attitudes. We’ll miss all 10 of these kids. (The coaching staff) feels real close to these kids.”

The Wildcats have three games left in the regular season. They will host Whitmire on Friday before road tests at rival Landrum and Southside Christian.