When searching for Clarkdale’s last win over Enterprise, you have to go back to 2005, which is when Clarkdale earned a 21-6 victory.

Current Clarkdale coach Wes Roy was an assistant at the time, and although Enterprise’s win streak spans more than a decade, Roy said he doesn’t spend too much time mulling over the thought. 

“We haven’t really talked much about the streak,” Roy said. “The kids know it’s been a while. No matter how long or recent it’s been, it has no bearing on the outcome of this year’s game. We have just focused on us getting better as a football team this week.”

Both schools enter tonight’s game off wins as Enterprise (1-5) defeated Newton County 30-10 last week for its first win of the year, and Clarkdale (2-4) nabbed a 30-12 win against Richton during homecoming. 

Enterprise’s defense is tasked with slowing Clarkdale’s three-headed rushing attack of Hunter Vick, Cody Bonner and Germarcus Brown, who have combined for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns. Vick has produced 100-yard efforts in his last three games. 

“We have some seniors back there, for the most part, and they just grind it out every week,” Roy said. “Our offensive line has come together in recent weeks and has played better. The seniors in the backfield, and the juniors — it’s not just the seniors — just have great leadership. We had some adversity earlier in the year, and they grinded through that, and they continue to work to get better.”

Enterprise has a productive backfield of its own that will prove challenging to slow. Running back Zach Kyle leads all Enterprise rushers with 707 ground yards and seven touchdowns. Last week against Newton County, he ran for 163 yards and one touchdown and ended the night with an 8.2 yards-per-carry average. Backfield mate Kaleb Fisher doesn’t lag too far behind. Fisher has accumulated 627 rushing yards and five touchdowns this year and averages 104.5 yards per game. 

Defensively, however, Enterprise has allowed 262 points to opponents. Still, Roy said he isn’t taking the game lightly. 

“They’re always tough; they’re just tough kids,” Roy said of Enterprise. “Coach Jimmerson and his group do a great job, and those kids are always ready to play. They’re going to get after you, so you have to be ready for that. You have to be ready to get hit in the mouth and counter back. Otherwise, you’re going to be in for a long night.”

Just 10 miles separate Clarkdale and Enterprise, which only adds to the intensity of the rivalry. Roy said despite the lopsided history, the rivalry is good for both communities. 

“Being so close to each other in proximity, all the kids and parents know each other,” Roy said. “It’s important to the community, for sure.”