Reviewed by: Liv George
The Bama Buzz Game of the Week: Wiregrass rivalry features pair of top-5 teams in 7A
Week 2 marks the start of region play for most high school football teams in Alabama and region openers don’t get much bigger than the one at Rip Hewes Stadium this week.
It’s not only a rivalry game but it’s also a crucial battle in Class 7A Region 2, that just so happens to feature two teams ranked in the top 5 of the latest Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) poll. Here’s what you need to know:
- Who: #2 Enterprise Wildcats at #5 Dothan Wolves
- Where: Rip Hewes Stadium, 1701 Stadium St, Dothan, AL 36301
- When: 7PM, Friday, Sept. 6
- Tickets
Keep reading to learn all about the two teams in our Game of the Week + check out a list of some of the other big high school games to keep an eye on this week.
Enterprise Wildcats
The Wildcats (2-0) have won at least one playoff game in three consecutive seasons for the first time since the 90s but they’re looking to build off that even more in 2024. The program has not made it past the second round since 1993.
In two games this season, the Wildcats have yet to allow an offensive touchdown and have an average margin of victory of 23 points. On offense, Enterprise has already had seven different players score a touchdown.
This team has multiple ways of winning games and that’s why there is a lot of hype this year. Enterprise currently sits at second in the ASWA 7A poll, which ties the program’s highest ranking in the last 40 years.
Enterprise leads the all-time series against Dothan, who re-branded with a new high school back in 2019. The Wildcats have won 49 of the 93 total meetings (49-43-1).
Dothan Wolves
Dothan (2-0) has won eight games in each of the first two seasons under coach Jed Kennedy, including a 21-14 win at Enterprise last season.
The Wolves seem to be on track to meet or exceed that win total again this season, starting the year with a pair of wins against out-of-state opponents. Dothan has relied heavily on its running game so far with Jaden Barnes and AJ Alexander combining for five rushing touchdowns through two games.
Dothan has never finished higher than third place in its 7A region and it has not hosted a playoff game at any level since 2019. Entering this week’s game, the Wolves are ranked fifth in 7A, which is the same spot they finished the 2023 season.
Other Week 2 Games to Watch
Games begin to mean more this week as region play will have a more direct impact on how the postseason looks in November. The road to the Super 7 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham truly begins this week.
Here’s some of the top matchups to keep an eye on Friday night:
- Hoover at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa
- Saraland at Gulf Shores
- Mountain Brook at Hueytown
- Ramsay at Briarwood
- Ohatchee at Piedmont
- Georgiana at Florala
What are you most looking forward to in Week 2? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
