Like a championship-caliber boxer, the Blacksburg High baseball team has a potent 1-2 punch this season.

That 1-2 punch is the starting pitching duo of Chase Norman and Jonathan Smith. Both players have signed with colleges. Norman will play at Erskine, while Smith stay local and play for the Limestone Saints.

The Wildcats, who advaned to the district title game a year and are ranked No. 7 in the state this season, open Thursday at Indian Land.

Once again, Region II-A is stacked with quality teams.

“It’ll be a battle between Landrum, Christ Church, Southside Christian and us,” Blackburg coach Toby Elliott said.

Kaleb Earls and Tyler Moss also will see time on the mound, while Will Raines and Moss will split time behind the plate.

Ryan Greene and Blake Tharpe will anchor the right side of the infield, with Bradley Norman at third and Raines, Chase Norman and sophomore Marcus Elmore at shortstop. Dylan Porter is another infielder.

Moss, Nick Hames, Smith and Ty Davis will see time in the outfield.