A work in progress is how you can describe Blacksburg, as the Bruins look to rebuild the majority of its offensive unit heading into the 2010 season in a very tough River Ridge District.

The Bruins, who finished fifth in the district last season with a 3-7 mark, are returning nine players, eight of which were starters.

"We are a work in progress," said head coach David Crist, who is entering his 36th season at the helm. "Our players have a good work ethic and we have good leadership."

Returning starters include Terrence Travis (senior, QB), Jordan Porter (senior, DB), Kevin Wilson (senior, LB), Griffin Hite (senior, LB), DeRon Phillips (senior, G/DT), Marcus Ilardo (soph.,T/DT), Tim Seager (senior, T) and Cameron Hamden (senior, WR). Also back for another season is Brandon Austin (senior, G/DT).

Offensively, Blacksburg will be relying on quarterback Terrence Travis. The offensive line has a lot of inexperience, plus the team will be replacing three or four wide receivers and both tailbacks.

On the defensive side of the ball, Hite will anchor the defense from his inside linebacker position. Phillips and Austin return at defensive tackle. "Both of these players [Phillips and Austin] work very well together," said the coach. In addition, most of last year's secondary must be replaced.

"We have a good returning core on defense, strong senior leadership and a very good quarterback," said the veteran coach about the team's strengths this year.

As for the Bruins' weaknesses, they are inexperience on the offensive line, untested at the running back positions and inexperience in the secondaqry.

When asked what would be the top game of the season, Crist replied, "All are important. No game, district or non-district, can be treated any differently because of the playoff implications."