Wildcats and Wolves to clash in region rivalry

For the first time, the Enterprise Wildcats (1-0, 0-0) and the new Dothan Wolves (0-1, 0-0) will meet as region foes this Friday, Sept. 4, in Rip Hewes Stadium in Dothan.

While Enterprise coach Rick Darlington doesn’t want to dwell on the past he readily admits last year’s 47-9 loss to Dothan was the low point of the season.

“I think it was 13-3 at halftime and we’re in the game and all of a sudden it’s 47-9. I think that was definitely the low point last year,” Darlington said. “I think in the second half they pounded us and for the only time last year I think our guys laid down in the second half.

“They didn’t do it before and they didn’t do it after but I think that was definitely the low point. That’s on your mind and the fact that it’s obviously the rivalry. It’s the only other 7A school in southeast Alabama.”

Enterprise also doesn’t have any 2020 film of Dothan to prepare for as the Wolves are coming off a 14-day quarantine after a positive COVID-19 test within the team.

“They’re good. It’s a tough region game and there is no doubt it will be one of the most challenging games we play this year,” Darlington said.

The Wildcats will have to contend with senior running back Jaylin White, who is a highly coveted college recruit. White amassed 687 yards and 12 total touchdowns as a junior and is expected to lead a Dothan offense that lost its top playmaker at receiver, quarterback and much of the offensive line.

Darlington said that the emphasis would be not giving up big plays and stopping the run this week on defense and taking care of the ball on offense.

“We can’t give up big plays and we definitely have to stop the run. That’s easy to say but not so easy to do because they have a very talented back and some very talented receivers,” Darlington said. “It’s going to be hard to stop it all but we have to stop the big pass plays and stop the run. That’s got to be priority No. 1.

“Offensively, just like last week, we can’t turn it over. That helped us get 35 points, so not turning it over is crucial. Taking care of the ball, long drives and keep the defense off the field and we have to win the special teams battle. It’s all the things we have to do every week because most weeks we’re overmatched.”