By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor
Smiths Station escaped from Enterprise with 22-16 win Friday night, improving to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in region play, the Panthers’ best start to a season since 2015.
Looking to extend their lead to nine points late in the fourth quarter, a Smiths Station field goal attempt was blocked by the Wildcats, preserving their hopes of a victory. With fewer than 60 seconds remaining, Enterprise mounted a drive, but later turned the ball over on downs to hand the ball back to the Panthers.
The Panther defense maintained a “bend-but-don’t-break” approach, yielding nearly 400 yards of offense but limiting the Wildcats to 16 points, with none coming in the fourth quarter.
Offensively, the Panthers’ rushing attack proved to be a difference maker in the contest, as star running back L.C. Harris rushed 14 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Corey Minton finished 10-of-14 passing for 106 yards, completing passes to six different receivers.
Evening their record in region play, Smiths Station will travel to Montgomery this Saturday for an 11:30 a.m. CST kickoff against Robert E. Lee. The Generals, 3-1 overall and 1-0 in region play, are fresh off a heartbreaking 21-17 loss to division rival Auburn.
Both teams could move into the middle pack of their region with a win on Saturday.
For more information on Smiths Station athletics, visit https://www.lee.k12.al.us/Page/27.
The Generals play all their home games at the Cramton Bowl in downtown Montgomery, which is located at 220 Hall St.