You can take Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss at his word when he says how much he likes this year’s Blacksburg Wildcat football team.

“I’ve had more fun this year,” Moss said. “We’ve got 32 kids and they’ve been a lot of fun to coach. Nobody misses practice and they’ve been having fun at practice. Most of the kids get to play and everybody is contributing.”

Moss will learn today when the Wildcats host McBee if that comraderie translates into wins on the football field.

McBee will pose a challenge, Moss said.

The Panthers are coming off an 8-3 season, which marked their third straight year playoff appearance.

However, the Panthers must replace a total of 16 staters, including nine on defense.

But McBee coach Terry Sowell isn’t lowering his expectations, though.

“Our goal is to compete for a region championship and we believe we can compete for it.”

The Panthers feature a run-oriented attack - just like Blacksburg.

“They will run 80 to 90 percent of the time,” Moss said.

The Panthers operate out of a wishbone but will also run the option.

There are other similarities in the teams’ rosters as well. The teams have about 30 players on their respective rosters and a majority of those players will be on the field for practically every down.

The Wildcats finished 3-7 a year ago, including a 42-14 first-round playoff loss to Class A power Calhoun County.

Senior running back Chase Hames is the Wildcats’ big-play threat. He also is a mainstay on defense at cornerback.

Moss calls Hames a “complete football player.”

Sophomore Treyvon Parker returns at quarterback. According to Moss, Parker is more familiar with the team’s offense. Parker is expected to throw the ball a little more this season.

In addition to Hames, Raymond Ellis and Lennal Dasher round out a talented stable of running backs. Dasher, in particular, showed flashes last year until an injury slowed him. But he’s back at 100 percent, Moss said.

As for the keys for today’s game, Moss said the Wildcats’ offensive line must open holes for the running game and protect Parker, while the defense, which will feature a more attacking 3-4 look this season, must wrap up and tackle well.

GAME AT A

GLANCE

WILDCATS (0-0) VS. MCBEE (0-0)

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at

T.A. CAMPBELL STADIUM.

Players to Watch: Blacksburg QB Treyvon Parker, RB Chase Hames, LB Nick Hames, LB Lennal Dasher, RB Raymond Ellis.

The Wildcats will win - if they limit their turnovers and sustain long drives to keep the McBee offense off the field.

The Panthers will win - If they avoid costly turnovers and build an early lead to force the Wildcats to abandon their run-oriented offense.