Wildcats vs. Maud

Mt. Enterprise 39, Maud 0

By MICHAEL SEARCY, Henderson Daily News

MOUNT ENTERPRISE - If Mount Enterprise Coach Louie Johnson could have all his games turn out how Friday's contest against the Maud Cardinals did, he promises his life would be much easier.

The going for the Wildcats couldn't have gone much easier, as they handled Maud to the tune of 39-0 in both teams season opener.

“I couldn't be any prouder than how my guys played tonight,” Johnson stated after the game. “Even with the muddy field, the guys were focused and we caught some breaks, but we made a few for ourselves too.”

After losing three games last year by a combined 15 points, the Wildcats were determined not to let that happen again.

After going scoreless in the first quarter, Mt. Enterprise's offense got on track in the second quarter by putting up 14 quick points.

A 6-yard dive by Xavier Bryant gave the Wildcats a 7-0 lead just six seconds into the frame.

The score was set up when Maud bobbled a deep snap on a punt inside the Wildcats' 20-yard line.

The other score came on what could be considered the play of the night.

Wildcats' receiver Dexter Davison caught a pass on a slant route from Larry Solomon, stiff-armed a Maud defender and outraced the secondary to the middle of the endzone.

Davison finished with 53 yards receiving and added 64 on four carries.

Bryant finished with 20 yards on four carries - the Wildcats had 173 yards on 29 carries as a team - and accounted for two of Mount Enterprise's scores on the night

The group leading the ground assault included Bryant and Davison, Kevin Pope (62 yards on 11 carries), and Reggie King (20 yards and a score).

The Wildcat defense, not to be outdone by their counterparts on offense, forced four turnovers after the break and ended up taking two of those back for touchdowns.

The first score came as Maud had established a drive after being pinned deep in their own territory.

A Cardinals' screen pass proved to be disastrous as Anthony Lewis picked up the lateral and went 35 yards untouched to give the ‘Cats a 21-0 lead early in the third.

As Maud attempted to come back early in the fourth, they resorted to the air again and it this time the ball landed squarely in Kevin Pope's hands and he took it 55 yards the opposite way for another touchdown.

Next week, Mt. Enterprise hosts Union Hill, the second of four straight Wildcats' home games to open the season while Maud entertains Fruitvale.