Wildcats vs. West Rusk

By MICHAEL SEARCY
Henderson Daily News

MOUNT ENTERPRISE - In the first half of Saturday night's homecoming showdown between Mount Enterprise and West Rusk, the game lived up to the billing of a defensive war between the two squads.

But in the end, the Wildcat defense stole the show and the rushing game scored a pair of second half touchdowns as the Wildcats walked out with a 14-0 shutout here at Wildcat Stadium.

With the victory, the Wildcats (3-0) still have not allowed a point all season while the Raiders (2-1) fall from the ranks of the undefeated.

The defense bent - West Rusk had two possessions inside the Wildcats' 20 yard line - but didn't break, causing a fumble and forcing a turnover on downs.

After West Rusk recovered a Mt. Enterprise onside kick to start the game, the Wildcat defense forced a three-and-out. But the punt was mishandled by the Wildcats' special teams unit and West Rusk regained possession inside the 20 yard line.

Mt. Enterprise's defense forced an incomplete pass out of the endzone by West Rusk quarterback Matt Mortonon fourth down to take back possession.

Raiders' return specialist Josh Patin returned a kickoff 59 yards in the third quarter to set West Rusk's offense up at the ME 11 yd line, but a mishandled snap two plays later turned the ball over to the Wildcats, who had just taken a 7-0 lead thanks to a Xavier Bryant 3-yard scoring run.

The Wildcats would make the Raiders pay for their mistake, driving 94 yards in five minutes for their second score of the night.

Leading the way on the drive would be Jamal Utuk, Reggie King, and Dexter Davison. Utuk would carry for his 26 yards on this drive, while King stepped off 11 before Davison's 39 yard touchdown iced the game. Davison would end with 56 yards on 9 carries.

The Mt. Enterprise rushing attack, subdued in the first half, came roaring to life in the second half as the Wildcats would roll up 211 yards for the night, compared to West Rusk's 100.

Kevin Pope again led the groud gainers with 70 yards on 16 carries.

The Raiders, who had more than 300 yards rushing in each of their first two games, both wins, were led by Brad Rollins, who had 54 yards on 13 carries. Brandon Williams added 19 yards on six runs, and Matt Morton also had 17 yards on six totes.