Enterprise reloads in backfield

By By Robby Atkinson / staff writer
May 26, 2004
ENTERPRISE The Enterprise Bulldogs enjoyed plenty of success in 2003 and the Bulldogs are hoping for much of the same in 2004. Enterprise ended the 2003 season with an 8-5 record and made the third round of the Class 2A playoffs before being eliminated by Division 7-2A foe Taylorsville (42-21).
The start of spring drills for the Bulldogs has brought many questions that have surrounded certain positions on both sides of the ball and head coach Joel Speed hopes that those questions will soon be answered.
Several holes will need to be filled in the back field for the Bulldogs who have traditionally been a dominant running team. Adam Simpson and Cody Windham spilt much of the time in the back field last season at running back and the two combined for almost 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground last season for Enterprise.
The standout so far at the running back position has been sophomore Curtis Latney. Latney got a great deal of playing time behind Simpson and Windham last season and will be looked to fill those shoes with his great speed much like many running backs of the past at Enterprise which include: Terrance McGowan, Bryan Bester, and Kelly Jimmerson.
Latney scored a pair of touchdowns on the ground last season for the Bulldogs and the only returning pair of large pieces of the puzzles that are returning to the back field for Enterprise are quarterback Wade Weathers and full back Ike McKelvain.
The Bulldogs will run a lot of I-formation style offense in the run along with a lot of play action to give Weathers more opportunities to throw the football this season.
Weathers was not a part of the spring drills for the Bulldogs due to baseball, but the south paw signal caller had six passing touchdowns last season and tallied two rushing touchdowns as quarterback. McKelvain returns for his junior season after scoring three rushing touchdowns and was third on the team in rushing.
The offensive line will be a young part of the team as well with the anchor of the line, Brent Freeman, not being on the line this season. Tim Dearman and Jonathan Owens will be looked at to lead the young offensive line next season for the Bulldogs.
Most of the questions will surround the defensive unit which has graduated much of the defensive backs and linebackers, which leaves Speed with many holes to fill on the defensive side of the football.