The Enterprise Yellow Jackets saw their three-year winless streak finally come to an end last season after a 4-6 campaign. Head coach Brooks Burns knew how important overcoming that adversity was  for his team’s psyche.

“Our guys realized they could compete. Winning improved their mindset,” he said.

There are eight returning Jackets’ starters on each side of the ball and Burns is hopeful they can keep trending up heading into the 2016 season.

“Attitude and work ethic are important in continuing to improve,” the coach said. “It depends on our kids if we will be successful.”

On offense, Burns and his team will look to trim down the penalty yards and turnovers that plagued them last year.

The Jackets’ offense is based out of an I formation. The Jackets will likely give opponents a heavy dose of their running game each night. Senior quarterback Zach Hodges will lead the offensive charge.  Hodges accounted for 288 passing yards and 388 rushing yards for 14 total touchdowns in 2015.

Thousand-yard rusher Tanner Waldrop (5’ 7”, 150, Jr.) and senior Marvin Butler (5’ 11” , 180) will be the primary running backs for Enterpise.
Noah Diamond (6’5”, 295) and Jakob Thames (6’3”) will try to clear some running lanes for the dangerous backfield trio that accounted for 1,738 rushing yards in 2015.

Tight end Jake Allen led the team in receiving last year and will likely get touches this year. The team also returns Jontavius Smith, who led the team in receptions last season.

On defense, the Jackets will base out of an odd front with the Cover 2 or 3 in the secondary. Burns said the secondary should be the strongest unit on the defense this year.

Waldrop, who collected three interceptions last year, leads the defensive backs. Tristan Canttrell, Hodges and Cody Legget are expected to see playing time at defensive back as well.

Jeffrey Daniels will lead the way for a linebacker corps of senior Devin Kirtfield and Trestin Green. Daniels returns to the gridiron for the first time since suffering a broken leg during baseball season.

The duo of Thames and Diamond will anchor the defensive line along with junior Danny Thomas. Burns said he expects around 35 players to suit up this fall.
Enterprise begins its football season at home against Ethel Aug. 19