Game Details
- Teams: Baker Hornets vs. Enterprise Wildcats
- Date: Friday, November 15
- Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Wildcat Stadium, Enterprise, Alabama
- Watch: Live on NFHS Network
How to Watch
The game will be available on the NFHS Network, a subscription service offering live streams of high school sports across the nation. With an NFHS Network subscription, fans can watch live games, replays, and highlights.
Game Preview
This playoff matchup features two powerhouse teams from Alabama high school football. Baker and Enterprise both have had impressive seasons, showcasing their strengths on offense and defense. Baker has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, while Enterprise is known for its balanced offense and formidable defense. This matchup is expected to be intense, as both teams bring skill, discipline, and strategy to the field.
Team Overview
Baker Hornets
- Record: 8-3
- Coach: Steve Normand
- Key Players: QB Tyler Hughes, RB Jaden Thomas, WR Calvin Jones, LB Max Brooks
- Strengths: Ground game, solid defense, playmaking receivers
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent passing game under pressure
Enterprise Wildcats
- Record: 9-2
- Coach: Ben Blackmon
- Key Players: QB Chase Matthews, RB Xavier Collins, WR Malik Brown, DL Jamal Harris
- Strengths: Balanced offense, aggressive defensive line, effective passing game
- Weaknesses: Tends to struggle against high-paced offenses
Team Comparisons
- Offense
- Baker: The Hornets lean heavily on their ground game, led by RB Jaden Thomas, who has been a consistent force on the field. QB Tyler Hughes can keep defenses on their toes with his mobility and decision-making, and WR Calvin Jones is a dangerous deep threat capable of making big plays when the opportunity arises. Baker’s offense is designed to control the clock, wear down defenses, and capitalize on big-play opportunities.
- Enterprise: Enterprise boasts a balanced offensive attack. QB Chase Matthews is efficient and quick in the pocket, often spreading the ball to multiple receivers, with WR Malik Brown as his primary target. RB Xavier Collins provides a steady presence in the backfield, giving the Wildcats an effective one-two punch between passing and rushing. Enterprise’s offense is known for its ability to adapt to different defensive schemes, making them a challenging team to prepare for.
- Defense
- Baker: The Hornets’ defense is anchored by LB Max Brooks, a high-energy player with a nose for the ball. Baker’s defensive line is strong, often creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and shutting down the run game. However, the secondary has faced challenges against high-powered passing teams. They’ll need to tighten up their pass defense to contain Matthews and the Wildcats’ passing game.
- Enterprise: Enterprise’s defense is aggressive, with DL Jamal Harris leading the charge. Harris and his line excel at creating disruption in the backfield, often forcing rushed passes and limiting opposing running backs. The Wildcats’ secondary is skilled at preventing deep passes, though they occasionally struggle against quick, efficient passing offenses. Enterprise will focus on putting pressure on Hughes and shutting down Thomas to limit Baker’s scoring potential.
- Special Teams
- Baker: Baker’s special teams are dependable, with a kicker who consistently converts field goals and extra points. Their return game, led by Calvin Jones, has shown flashes of explosiveness, with Jones capable of creating favorable field position for the Hornets.
- Enterprise: Enterprise also fields a solid special teams unit, with a kicker who can make crucial field goals if needed. Their coverage teams are fast and disciplined, making it difficult for opponents to break free on kick returns. Special teams may play a crucial role in this matchup, particularly if the game is close and field position becomes a decisive factor.
Player Matchups to Watch
- Quarterbacks: Baker’s Tyler Hughes vs. Enterprise’s Chase Matthews
- Hughes is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and his feet, though he’ll need to stay composed under Enterprise’s pressure-heavy defense. Matthews, on the other hand, is known for his poise and accuracy. Both quarterbacks have unique styles, and their performances under the lights could be key in deciding the game’s outcome.
- Running Backs: Baker’s Jaden Thomas vs. Enterprise’s Defensive Line
- Thomas is a powerful and elusive runner who can move the chains and keep drives alive. Enterprise’s defensive line, led by Jamal Harris, will need to focus on containing Thomas to disrupt Baker’s offensive rhythm. This matchup between a strong runner and a disciplined defensive line will be pivotal in shaping the pace of the game.
- Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs: Baker WR Calvin Jones vs. Enterprise DBs
- Jones is an athletic receiver with big-play potential, capable of creating mismatches with his speed and agility. Enterprise’s secondary will need to prevent Jones from breaking free on deep routes. If they can contain him, they’ll limit Baker’s ability to make explosive plays in the passing game.
- Linebackers: Baker LB Max Brooks vs. Enterprise’s Offensive Line
- Brooks is a playmaker who leads Baker’s defense in tackles. Enterprise’s offensive line will need to keep him at bay to protect Matthews and give Collins room to run. Brooks’ ability to read plays and disrupt the offense will be crucial in preventing Enterprise from establishing a steady offensive rhythm.
Odds & Prediction
Odds
While high school games generally don’t have official betting odds, Enterprise is viewed as the slight favorite due to their balanced offense, aggressive defense, and home-field advantage. Baker’s strong running game and defense, however, could make this a close and highly competitive matchup.
Prediction
Enterprise Wildcats 28, Baker Hornets 24
Enterprise’s balanced attack and defensive strengths give them a slight edge. Baker’s physicality and strong ground game will keep the score close, but Enterprise’s home advantage and ability to capitalize on turnovers may make the difference in a hard-fought game.
Key Factors to Watch
- Game Tempo: Baker will aim to control the tempo with their ground game, while Enterprise will likely push the pace and use their balanced offense to keep Baker on their heels. The team that controls the game’s tempo will have a significant advantage in dictating the flow and momentum.
- Turnover Battle: Both defenses are known for forcing turnovers, and any mistakes could prove costly in a close game. Enterprise’s secondary has a knack for interceptions, while Baker’s front seven are adept at causing fumbles. Winning the turnover battle could be the deciding factor.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns instead of field goals will be essential, especially if the game stays close. Both teams have reliable kickers, but the goal will be to maximize scoring chances with touchdowns whenever possible.
- Special Teams Impact: Field position and special teams play could play a crucial role in this matchup, particularly if the game goes down to the wire. A big return or key field goal could be pivotal in determining the outcome.
The matchup between the Baker Hornets and the Enterprise Wildcats promises to be one of the most exciting games in Alabama high school football on November 15. Enterprise’s balanced offense and aggressive defense make them a formidable opponent, while Baker brings a physical ground game and a disciplined defensive front to the field.
With both teams fighting for a chance to advance in the postseason, this game is expected to be a closely contested battle full of thrilling plays, key matchups, and high stakes. Fans won’t want to miss this exciting playoff matchup, which they can catch live on the NFHS Network!
