If you weren’t at LJ Davis Field this past Friday night, then you missed one of the best high school football games played there in decades, and quite possibly the best game in Mississippi on Friday night. The heavily touted Taylorsville Tartars rolled into Enterprise with an impressive record, a #1 ranking in 2A, and an arsenal of skilled athletes to include Tulane commit, Ty Keyes. Enterprise also weighed in with an undefeated record, a #5 ranking in 2A, and a team full of athletes that displayed their skill and toughness. Enterprise received the kick and immediately established its physical running attack. Enterprise went on a 10 play 50-yard drive but stalled just outside the red-zone. Taylorsville took its first possession and went 75 yards in 11 plays to score in typical Taylorsville fashion. Enterprise went back to work on its second possession exactly where it left off driving 82 yards in 14 bruising plays to let Taylorsville know that the Dogs have what takes to stand toe-to-toe with the defending champion. Ridge Kidd scored from 6 yards out, as EHS took the lead 7-6 midway through the second quarter. On Taylorsville’s next possession Daniel Swain delivered a jab to the opponent by intercepting the Tartars. Enterprise quickly returned the ball to Taylorsville after an interception of their own. Taylorsville converted a fourth and ten and scored with a few minutes left before half to regain the lead 13-7—that score was carried into the locker room. After the halftime bell, Enterprise’s defense fought with a vengeance forcing a 3 and out possession for the Tartars. Enterprise took control of the second half by driving 60 yards in 15 plays with two fourth down conversions to put EHS Dogs back on top 14-13. Kristian Milsap along with ten other bulldogs pushed into the endzone for the 1-yard TD. Taylorsville again responded with a 5-play drive, touchdown, and 2-point conversion to push ahead of EHS 21-14. Enterprise went back to work with body-blows. Thirteen plays and 65 yards later Milsap added his second TD from 8 yards out to help EHS tie it up at 21-21 to end the third quarter. Taylorsville QB Ty Keyes is known for his aerial threat, but this time he gashed the bulldogs for a 68-yard TD on the ground to make it 27-21. The extra point was no good, leaving the door open for Enterprise. With most of the fourth quarter expired, the dogs put together a commanding 63-yard drive capped off by a 3yd TD by Milsap. The extra point kick was made by Trace Roy—EHS yet again took the lead 28-27 with only a few minutes left in the game. The defending champ was dazed by the uppercut Enterprise landed in the waning moments of the game, and was on the verge of collapse. Taylorsville, however, would draw the final blow after converting a desperation fourth and goal from the 23 yard-line to give the Tartars the win. Ethan Baxley intercepted the 2-point conversion for EHS. These two teams traded blows all night long. The lead changed seven times and there were six crucial fourth down conversions in the game. The Enterprise Bulldogs, coaches, and fans fought until the final bell sounded, but lost by a draw to the defending 2A State Champion by a score of 33-28. The Bulldogs will travel to Bay Springs this Friday night for division play.
