Normally, the Blacksburg Wildcats would find themselves outmanned – at least number-wise playing a Class 2A opponent.

Not this time.

After graduating 20 seniors last year, the Indian Land Warriors will dress only 26 players for tonight’s game at Blacksburg.

That should even the playing field for the two friendly rivals.

“We don’t have a lot of depth,” said Indian Land head coach and former Gaffney High assistant Michael Mayer.

But don’t shortchange the Warriors’ talent level. The Warriors opened the season with an impressive 28-13 victory over Buford.

Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss said the Warriors possess talent on both sides of the ball.

“They have an excellent running quarterback and a good running back,” he said.

Moss said the Warriors run the spread and rely on their athletes to make plays.

Running back Breyon Williams, who is back from an injury-plagued season a year ago, led the Warriors in rushing with 89 yards last week.

On defense, the Warriors utilize their athleticism to blitz the quarterback.

Mayer said in order for his team to be successful today his players must limit their mistakes, meaning no turnovers and a low amount of penalty yardage.

In addition, the Warriors must stop the Wildcats’ running game. That may have gotten a little easier.

Chase Hames, perhaps the Wildcats’ best player, banged up his ankle in the loss to McBee and is questionable for the game. Ryan Greene, who plays tight end and defensive end, is likely out with a shoulder injury.

There’s another health issue that concerns Moss - cramps. Moss said cramps were an unexpected problem for the Wildcats against McBee.

“The biggest thing is to get them all healthy,” Moss said. “If we execute, we have a chance to score.”

The Wildcats had several chances to score in their week one 16-7 loss to visiting McBee.

“You can always improve on execution,” Moss said. “But all in all it was a pretty even ball game. We hit with them. I was proud of how we played. We got after it.”

As for the keys for the Wildcats today, Moss said his defense must tackle well and his players must set the tone by giving maximum effort for four quarters.

“The effort on film was there (against McBee),” he said.