Numbers are down and injuries are up for the Blacksburg Wildcats.

Last Friday, Indian Land took advantage of a shorthanded Blacksburg defense missing five starters, including cornerback Marcus Elmore, outside linebacker Jordan Black, defensive back Raymond Ellis and lineman Ryan Greene, to post a 38-15 victory.

Things aren’t better on the injury front this week when the Wildcats travel across the state to play at Latta.

“We had 23 at practice (Tuesday),” Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss said. “It’s tough right now. (The injuries we have) are the type that will keep you out for a while.”

But Moss and the Wildcats aren’t making excuses.

“You have to realize these things happen and you have to make the best of it by preparing the best that you can,” the Blacksburg coach said.

Moss won’t get much sympathy from Latta coach Jeff Bley, whose Vikings are 0-3 on the season and have been outscored, 153-6, in losses to Waccamaw, East Clarendon and defending Class 2A champ Dillon.

Moss said the Vikings’ record is misleading because of the high caliber of competition they’ve played.

“They are a good football team,” Moss said.

The Vikings run a Wing-T on offense, with misdirection. They also will utilize the I-formation for straight-ahead runs.

“Latta is all run,” Moss said.

Moss said the Wildcats will adjust their defense accordingly to stop the run.

The Vikings use a 5-3 and 5-2 schemes on defense.

Moss said the Wildcats plan to attack the defense with straightahead runs.

The Wildcats have done more contact drills this week in hopes of becoming a more physical team, according to Moss.

“We have to get tougher.”

The Wildcats must shore up their special teams, especially on punts. Moss explained the team is still searching for a punter. Nick Hames is doing an adequate job on kickoffs.

“Special teams are a concern and the punting game worries me,” he said.

Despite the 0-2 start, Moss said the team’s attitude remains upbeat.

“We had a very good practice (on Tuesday.”

Moss realizes, however, the mood will improve even more dramatically when the injured players get healthy.

“If we can get healthy, we can be competitive.”

GAME AT A

GLANCE

WILDCATS (0-2) VS. LATTA (0-3)

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at

LATTA HIGH SCHOOL

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

The Wildcats will win - if some players return from injuries. In addition, they must limit their turnovers and sustain long drives to keep the Latta offense off the field.

The Vikings will win - if they avoid costly turnovers and control the clock with their running game.