[10/17/02]There might be the misconception that St. Aloysius would be feeling the blues after losing its first Region 4-1A game and undefeated record in Mize last week.

But as the Flashes (6-1, 3-1) prepare to play Enterprise (5-2, 4-1) on Friday, coach Jim Taylor has found a silver lining amongst his purple and white.

“I think even though we lost a game, we came away feeling good about ourselves,” Taylor said. “It was the best effort we’ve had around here in years, as far as playing good against good competition.”

The Flashes won’t be expecting a drop in the level of competition as they hit the road again in Region 4-1A play against Enterprise.

“They are a pretty physical team, but a team I think we can play with,” Taylor said. “After last week’s game, I feel good that we can play with anyone in 1-A.”

Yellowjackets coach Richard Deere has nothing but respect for a Flashes’ team that has drastically improved from last year’s meeting, which Enterprise won 14-6, and goes as far as saying “we were lucky to win last year.”

“We know they got a real fine ballclub with a good offensive line. They also have a real good running game and are well coached,” Deere said. “It’s going to be a tough ballgame.”

The St. Al defense will be something to reckon with as well after holding a versatile Mize offense to six points, with the touchdown following a Flashes’ fumble on their own 17-yard line.

“(Enterprise) is not going to finesse you a whole lot. They’re going to run at you, so it’s not going to be as much decision making on defense on what you got to cover,” Taylor said.

The Flashes’ offense won’t claim to be any different after it passed a season-high seven times against Mize. Both teams can expect a “three yards and a cloud of dust” attack coming their way as they struggle to stay on top in a tight region race.

And despite the loss last week, the Flashes seem to be immune to the pressure and implications this week’s game holds on the playoff standings.

“They have good players, but I feel good going into the ballgame that we can move the ball on them and are going to put points on the board, and the defense is going to play just like it did last week,” Taylor said.

“It should be a good game for us.”