Middle linebacker Erik Clark helped the Enterprise YellowJackets make football history Friday night on Harry Cole Field.Clark accounted for 14 tackles as the Jackets beat Wesson 34-32. Itwas thought to be the first win over the Cobras in over 20years.

Recognizing Clark’s accomplishments, he has been selected TheDAILY LEADER’s Defensive Player of the Week for the first week ofthe 2004 season.,

Clark, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound junior, said he was surprised byhis final statistics. “I didn’t know I was making that manytackles. I love middle linebacker. It’s my favorite spot.”

Enterprise first-year head coach Mac Bezet also works as theteam’s defensive coordinator. He said Clark has untapped potential.It’s just a matter of him learning the system.

“Erik is good hard worker,” said Bezet. “He missed the jamboreewith a pulled hamstring so he’s actually a week behind. He mademistakes (against Wesson) but he made them wide open.”

Clark runs about a 4.8 in the 40-yard dash. “He’s learning tohave a nose for the football,” said Bezet. “He has to work on hispursuit and his reading.”

Asked about his responsibilities at middle linebacker, Clarksaid, “I have to stop the dive play and go to the football. I haveto be there when the (running) back crosses the line.”

Clark started on defense as a sophomore. He’s gained strengthand speed since then, a product of Enterprise’s upbeat, offseasonconditioning program.

“I like Coach Bezet and his staff,” said Clark. “They make uswork hard. We had a lot of intense strength and conditioningtraining in the summer.”

Clark said he usually works out with 225 pounds on the benchpress prior to practice. He credited the defensive line withhelping him make tackles. The front five includes nose guard JustinVincent, tackles Antonio Sanders and Vincent Smith and ends ChrisFuller and Wayne Nations.

Enterprise is busy preparing for the Loyd Star Hornets thisweek. Both teams are 1-0 entering the annual Sting Bowl which willbe held at Loyd Star Friday night.

“Loyd Star is always tough,” said Clark. “We have a rivalrygoing. We are fired up for them.”

Clark said the Hornets have several outstanding players. “Theirquarterback (Justin Whatley) runs the option well and is a threatto score. They have a couple of good running backs. They have areal good linebacker in (Michael) Britt.”

In Enterprise’s 4-4 alignment, Alex Powell joins Clark in themiddle at linebacker. ‘It’s just me in the 5-3.”

Clark said he enjoys going to school at Enterprise. “I like mathand science best.”

In his spare time, Clark enjoys hunting and fishing. He prefersplaying and watching football most of all.