Enterprise versus Quitman is one of the most historic rivalries in the State of Mississippi. Starting in 1929, the rivalry has only heated up with the Bulldogs claiming their first win over the Panthers since 1977 in last year's homecoming game. With Enterprise traveling to Quitman, they look to not only keep their undefeated season alive but also keep the win streak going.
With a blaring crowd rivaling that of the Egg Bowl, the scene was set for another Clarke County Classic. The Bulldogs kicked off the game but the squib kick hit the heel of a Panther and slid right back into the hands of Senior Trace Roy. Despite getting the ball back earlier than expected, Enterprise fumbled the ball at the Quitman 45. And just like that the Panthers fumbled soon after and gave the Bulldogs the ball back at the EHS 47. The Bulldogs on a fourth and short situation, Junior Harris Burt plowed through the Panther defense for a first down at the Quitman 24. Coming off of Senior Cooper Galyean QB sneak, Trace Roy fought his way for a touchdown and a good PAT. Quitman looked to respond quickly to the Bulldogs touchdown, but a deflected pass off the receiver’s hands fell right into Junior Landon Elfrings hands. Both the Bulldogs and Panthers failed to move their offense forward and punted away the first quarter. The Enterprise Bulldogs took an early 7-0 lead at the end of the first.
Quitman opens up the second quarter with purpose as they forced their way to a first and goal late in the second. Despite the snap going right over the Panther QB’s head, Quitman made a massive fourth down pass for a touchdown but missed the PAT. Enterprise failed to respond, and Quitman took over at the QHS 20 yard line. The Panthers managed a massive 25 yard run to the 45, but with a booming crowd behind them, they are forced to take back to back timeouts. The explosive Bulldog defense held the Quitman fourth down conversion setting up the offense at the Panther 45. With only six seconds left in the half, Galyean stepped back to pass and made a completion to Junior Jackrius Pickens for a touchdown but missed PAT. Enterprise entered the half up 13-6 over the Panthers, and the crowd is louder than ever.
The second half opened up with fireworks as Harris Burt made a dash to the outside for a massive touchdown and a good PAT. Quitman’s offense opened up strong to respond and find themselves at a 4th and short at the Bulldog 30. The Panthers rushed up the middle, but the ball is so close that the chain gang comes out to measure, and the ball was short. With yet another EHS punt, the Panthers set themselves up at the 49 yard line. With a step back and pass right down the middle, Quitman scored a 51 yard touchdown to put the game within 7. The third quarter ended with a 20-13 score and the Bulldogs on offense.
The Bulldogs slowly made their way to midfield before being picked off by the Panthers, giving new life to Quitman’s offense. The Bulldog defense held strong, forcing a turnover in downs off of a 4th and short situation. Enterprise found themselves on a 2nd and long, but Jackarius Pickens made an explosive run to the outside for a first down at the QHS 26. Harris Burt capped off the night for the Bulldogs as he fought his way for 6 and a good PAT. With yet another failed 4th down conversion by Quitman, Galyean took the final snap in victory formation. The Bulldogs came into town and took a more than impressive 27-13 win.
This was easily the best game Enterprise has played in a long time. Quitman was a faster and more talented team, but the Bulldogs controlled every second of the matchup. For the first time since 1973-74, Enterprise has beaten their cross county rivals in back to back years.
Enterprise (5-0) faces off against the (3-2) Morton Panthers to open up district play Friday night. Kickoff time is 7:30 p.m. at L.J David Field. Come out and support the Dawgs!
