Game Recap: Ensworth Throttles Visiting Owls, 40-7
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Hype was built for this game as you had two strong programs in Ensworth and MUS competing against each other but it was the Tigers who dominated from the jump and walked away with a commanding, 40-7 victory over the visiting Owls.
A statement was made on the opening series, second play of the game by Ensworth when junior quarterback Levi Moore threw a sideline bomb to #PRZTN’s #1 receiver for the 2023 class in Shamar Porter Shamar Porter 6'3" | 200 lbs | WR Ensworth | 2023 State TN for the score and then the Tigers were off to the races.
Ensworth would go on to take a 30-0 lead midway through the 2nd quarter before the Owls could even catch their breath. The Tigers were relentless on both sides of the ball. Their offense had their foot on the pedal while their defense played with their hair on fire, not allowing Owls quarterback George Hamsley to get comfortable.
By the time we reached halftime, the game was over. Ensworth held a 37-0 lead with a running clock coming in the 2nd half and a large comeback to make by the Owls, which did not transpire.
This was a dominating performance by the Tigers who are playing at a really high level right now. Their offense is very confident and the defense have made strides each game to develop into a pretty solid group.
MUS is still a good team that can get things right and become a formidable opponent by the time we reach postseason play but this Ensworth squad is a force right now that opponents on their schedule the rest of the way should watch out for because the Tigers are playing like a state title contending team.
Player of the Game
‘24 (LB) Mason Curtis Mason Curtis 6'3" | 195 lbs | LB Ensworth | 2024 State TN – Ensworth
– This 2021 season has been a breakout year thus far for Curtis and last night, he continued that stellar season by producing several tackles as well as a strip sack fumble recovered by his teammates and a pick six returned for a touchdown. Curtis was everywhere on defense for the Tigers last night and was a force that the Owls could not block. This guy is already a starter and key contributor for the Tigers but look for Curtis to become a main player and star on defense over the coming years.
Other Top Standouts
‘23 (WR) Jacob Page Jacob Page 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Blackman | 2023 State TN – Ensworth
– Page was an absolute stud last night that the Owls secondary had a hard time keeping up with, slowing down or even stopping. The Tigers junior receiver made some unreal catches last night that made me rethink his status in our current 2023 #PRZTN prospect rankings. Page could very well be the “best” receiver not just for the ‘23 class but the entire state as well. Watch this guy’s recruiting stock explode very soon!
(DB) Charles Ingram V Charles Ingram V 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Ensworth | 2022 State TN – Ensworth
– MUS had a hard time throwing the ball last night and a big reason why was because of Ingram and his lockdown abilities on the outside. After being burnt early by Owls receiver, Mac Owen, Ingram took it personal and for the rest of the game, he played with a feisty aggressive attitude that led him to picking off two passes. Ingram’s play on the back end was a big reason for the stellar play by the Tigers defense on Friday night.
‘25 (DL) Ethan Utley Ethan Utley 6'4" | 265 lbs | DL Ensworth | 2025 State TN – Ensworth
– This guy will be one of the top prospects nationally by the time he becomes a senior. Utley is a big, physical guy who dominated the Owls offensive line all night long. He ended the game with 3 sacks, 4 TFL and 1 PBU and was almost unblockable. Utley is only a freshman, so he has scary upside along with playing years beyond his age. This guy is a force to watch for over the next three years!
(RB/DB) Hunter Barnes Hunter Barnes 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH MUS | 2022 State TN – MUS
– If anybody showed anything of an offensive threat on Friday night, it was Barnes. The 6’0 two-way talent who mainly plays running back for the Owls, did not have open lanes most of the evening but did everything he could to gain positive yards each time he touched the ball. Barnes has nice size along with athletic traits that translate to the next level, so I’m interested to see how he progresses throughout the rest of the season.
Scout’s Notes
– By defeating the Owls on Friday night, Ensworth could now be in the driver seat to win the West Region of the D2-Class AAA ranks. The Tigers beat Christian Brothers a few weeks back, who was considered the team to beat in the West Region but now it looks like it could be a clash now between Ensworth and Briarcrest Christian for top honors.
Ensworth is not only a top contender to win the West Region but also the D2-Class AAA state championship as well. This team is playing at a high level right now with an explosive, high scoring, confident offense and a defense that is very opportunistic. The Tigers are very talented and have the horses to lead them to the promiseland.
– The biggest to scout on Friday night was the wide receivers. Both teams provided high quality talent that you will see play on Saturday’s very soon. Ensworth sports possibly the two best receivers in the state with Page and Porter while the Owls have two highly underrated talents in Owen and Clarkson Shoaf Clarkson Shoaf 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR MUS | 2022 State TN . MUS also has a young but talented freshman wideout in Joakim Dodson Joakim Dodson 6'1" | 180 lbs | WR Baylor | 2025 State TN , who already holds a few D1 offers.
All five of these prospects were on display Friday evening with Page and Porter stealing the show but Owen and Shoaf were key contributors for the Owls, who came up with some big catches to keep their offense on the field. Page and Porter will play Power Five football one day but coaches need to take a longer look at Owen and Shoaf as both can play college ball.