Enterprise, Ala. — The Enterprise Wildcats football program made history Thursday night at Wildcat Stadium, securing its 700th program victory with a 38-19 win over Smiths Station. This milestone makes Enterprise the first high school football program in the Wiregrass region and only the seventh in Alabama history to achieve 700 wins.
The victory marks a significant moment in the more than a century of football tradition in Enterprise, with the program dating back to 1913. The win against Smiths Station on their home turf solidifies Enterprise’s long-standing legacy in high school athletics across the state and region.
Head coach Ben Blackmon, who now holds a 36-18 record since taking over the team in 2022, emphasized the crucial role of the community in reaching this achievement. Blackmon noted the strong home-game atmosphere and the consistent support from fans for their players. He characterized the 700 wins as a testament to the community's dedicated investment in its student athletes.
Blackmon attributed the success to predecessors, stating that many great players, coaches, and administrators who came before him invested significant time and effort into the community, the school, and the program's winning tradition. He also highlighted the enduring support from former players and staff, underscoring that "we have a real strong alumni base" which he finds unique about Enterprise.
For Blackmon, being the coach for the 700th win was about the collective achievement rather than personal recognition. He stated the milestone was for the school and the community, not for himself, expressing humility to be just "a small part" of the event. He observed a sense of pride among the current players, noting their excitement to be part of "that little slice of history" and the positive sense of pride it fostered in the community.
Reflecting on the broader effort involved, Blackmon pointed out that immense time, effort, resources, and preparation from individuals across generations contributed to the 700 victories.
Looking ahead, the Wildcats will not have long to celebrate their historic accomplishment. The team is scheduled to play for win No. 701 on Friday, October 9, against Carver Montgomery. This upcoming game is an important region matchup, according to Blackmon, who acknowledged Carver Montgomery as a talented and very athletic team. He recalled that Enterprise "didn’t play well against them last year" and stressed the importance of a strong start and playing for four quarters in the upcoming game.
