Note: Enterprise finished with a 5-6 overall record in 2015 and was fourth in 2A South with a 2-3 record. It lost to South Summit 42-0 in the 2A quarterfinals.
Enterprise 2015 offensive and defensive stats
ENTERPRISE — As it happens with several schools across the state each year, Enterprise has a new head coach. However, the newcomer for the Wolves, Andrew Messersmith, hopes that the transition will not be too drastic.
After five years as defensive coordinator for Uintah High School, Messersmith is enthusiastic as he has a chance to use his experience to try to lead his team to success.
“There’s a new excitement here, so I’m excited to get going, to get practice started and get these kids going,” Messersmith said.
In addition to his experience at Uintah, Messersmith was the head wrestling coach at Juab and North Sanpete, which he believes will ease the transition.
“The transition is not as great as if I had never been a head coach before,” he said. “It’s good to be able to implement my own system.”
With the new job and some hopes for success right off the bat, Messersmith feels the pressure to do well mostly has come from himself.
“I think most of the pressure that I have felt is put on by myself. The community has been great and there is a lot of support but yeah, I put a lot of pressure on myself,” Messersmith said. “I want to be as successful as we can be and the kids to be as successful as they can be.”
After graduating a few key players, finding that success and finishing high in 2A South will be an uphill battle in 2016.
The Wolves’ leading passer and rusher from 2015, Brandell Shumway, graduated, leaving a big gap in the offense. Additionally, Michael Dougherty graduated after leading the team in receptions and receiving yards while Cole Stratton and Josh Shimbeck, who each contributed on both running and receiving the ball, also graduated.
This year, the Wolves will rely heavily on Caleb Koopmans and John Oswald, who were solid in 2015 and will see a lot more reps this year.
Koopmans was a good rusher for Enterprise last year behind Shumway and Schimbeck, rushing 23 times for 156 yards and three touchdowns.
Similarly, Oswald was very good for Enterprise in his junior year but was overshadowed a bit by the great seasons put together by Dougherty and Stratton. Oswald hopes to improve on his 20 receptions for 433 yards in 2015.
At the quarterback position, Jason Hope and Kyler Hess will battle for the starting position and try to fill the big shoes left by Shumway.
For Messersmith, however, he is confident in the offense and hopes that despite the missing pieces, some players will break out in 2016 and prove the team’s depth.
“Two running backs will share the load along with our quarterback,” Messersmith said. “I think we will have more depth running the ball because we will have three or four athletes that can carry the ball.”
He hopes that said depth will lead his team to a decent year but is also realistic with his goal for the season
“I’m hoping that we can make a run and knock off one of the top teams,” said Messersmith. “But the goal is to get better each week and be our best.”
Enterprise Wolves at a glance
Coach: Andrew Messersmith is entering his first year as Enterprise’s head coach. He is a graduate of Juab High School and Ricks College and Adams State University.
Offense (spread offense)
Offensive coordinator: Andrew Messersmith
Returning offensive starters
John Oswald, WR
Offensive newcomers to watch
Jason Holt, QB
Tyler Hess, QB
Caleb Koopmans, FB
Defense (5-3 defense)
Defensive coordinator: Jimmy Allen
Returning defensive starters
Jesus Morales, DE
Defensive newcomers to watch
Caleb Koopmans, LB
John Oswald, LB
Coaches' preseason Region 6 straw poll: Fifth
Deseret News Region 6 prediction: Fifth
Bottom line: With a new head coach in Andrew Messersmith and only a few returning players with significant playing time in the past, the Wolves may take a good portion of the season to find their stride. Look for Enterprise to be right on the border of making the 2A playoffs but not go any further than the first round.
2016 schedule
Aug. 19 — DIAMOND RANCH, 7 p.m.
Aug. 26 — at Parowan, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 — at North Summit, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 — MILLARD, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 — NORTH SEVIER, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 — at San Juan, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 — GRAND, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 — SOUTH SEVIER, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 — at Beaver, 7 p.m.
Felt’s Facts for Enterprise High School
All-time record: 112-91 (19 years)
Region championships: 2 (2005, 2009 co)
Playoff appearances: 15
Current playoff appearance streak: 3 (2013-2015)
All-time playoff record: 12-14
State championships: 1 (2003)
State championship record: 1-2
Most played rivalry: 20 meetings with Parowan dating back to 1997. Enterprise leads 15-5.
Felt’s Factoid(s): Enterprise holds the single-game safety record (tied with two others) of three, set in 2005 against Whitehorse. … Kody Phelps (2000-03, 60 rushing TDs and 402 points) is one of just four Utah preps to rush for at least 60 touchdowns and score at least 400 points.
Last 5
2015 — 5-6 (2-3 in 2A South — 2A quarterfinals)
2014 — 7-4 (4-2 in 2A South — 2Aquarterfinals)
2013 — 5-5 (3-3 in 2A South — 2A first round)
2012 — 3-6 (1-6 in 2A South — Missed playoffs)
2011 — 6-4 (5-2 in 2A South — 2A first round)
Enterprise coaching history
2016 — Andy Messersmith (0-0)
2012-2015 — Malin Williams (20-21)
2007-2011 — Barry Jones (30-23)
2005-2006 — Scott Robinson (15-10)
2004 — Dustin Pearce (8-4)
2000-2003 — Randy Hunter (32-13)
1999 — Chris Anderson (2-7)
1997-1998 — Spencer Moody (5-13)
Deseret News First Team all-staters the past 10 years
2015 — Joey Paine, OL/DL
2015 — Wyatt Peterson, OL/LB
2014 — Kelton Hunt, RB/LB
2014 — Chad Beckstrand, OL/LB
2013 — Kelton Hunt, RB/LB
2011 — Ryan West, RB/LB
2011 — Sage Palmer, WR/DB
2010 — Slade Moyle, QB/DB
2010 — Jade Hulet, RB/LB
2009 — Robert Hunt, WR/LB
2009 — Ryan Jones, WR/LB
2009 — Travis Colf, OL/DL
2008 — Kevin Cervantes, RB/LB
2007 — Trevor Colf, WR/DB
2007 — Chance Phelps, RB/DB
2006 — Brian Cates, OL/DL
2006 — Dallin Clove, TE/LB
To view second team and honorable mention all-staters through the years, check out the Deseret News All-State Archives.
Enterprise Wolves 2016 football preview
Enterprise's Jayson Holt talks with Deseret News about the upcoming 2016 season.