Playing offense and defense for the Enterprise Yellow Jackets,Shermaine Vaughn made his presence felt Friday night in his team’sseason opener at West Lincoln.

Playing offense and defense for the Enterprise Yellow Jackets,Shermaine Vaughn made his presence felt Friday night in his team’sseason opener at West Lincoln. Vaughn accounted for 203 yards totaloffense in less than three quarters of action as the Jacketswhipped West Lincoln 41-0.

Vaughn’s accomplishments have earned him The Daily Leader’sOffensive Player of the Week honors for the first week of the 2000season. Among his offensive statistics was an 82-yard kickoffreturn on a rain-soaked field. He also rushed 5 times for 60 yardsand a TD. He caught a 41-yard scoring pass from quarterback JustinKyzar and had 2 receptions for 54 yards. He also ran a 2-pointconversion.

Enterprise coach Ricky Deere said Vaughn elevates his game onFriday nights. “When the lights come on, he’s ready to play. He’sbeen starting since he was a ninth grader.”

Vaughn (6-1, 190), a junior, is a solid football package. He’s aphysical player who likes to hit.

Vaughn has made great strides in the weight room. He benches 280pounds and squats with 320. He runs a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash.

He and his teammates have worked hard preparing for the seasonopener. “I was really looking forward to it. Everybody came readyto play.”

Recalling his kickoff return for a touchdown, Vaughn said, “Idropped it on the ground and picked it up. Everybody blocked realwell for me. Brent (Boyd) was up ahead and he knocked somebodydown. I knew I was going to make it.”

Asked about his offensive line, Vaughn said they deserved creditfor his success on offense. “They’re a strong group. They do a goodjob blocking.”

Enterprise’s starting offensive line includes Justin Bales atcenter, Stuart Britt at right guard, Scott Johnson at left guard,Kevin Harris at right tackle, Dale Holmes at left tackle and CodyBurns at tight end.

“Shermaine is a straight-ahead type runner,” said Deere. “Hepounds the defense. He makes it real tough for the defense totackle him.”

On offense, Vaughn said his favorite play is “Wing right; strong48 sweep.”

“The fullback (Monti Crotwell) and wingback (Boyd) lead block,”said Vaughn. Kyzar pitches me the ball. They bust some heads forme.”

Vaughn proudly wears jersey No. 1. Enterprise’s goal this seasonis to finish No. 1 in the Division 7-1A race.

“We have to work on correcting our mistakes, especially thepenalties,” said Vaughn “If we keep working hard, we can make thestate playoffs.”

Deere has seen Vaughn steadily improve because of his workethic. He started as a ninth grader at outside linebacker ondefense.

“Shermaine is very coachable,” said Deere. “He’s been workinghard in the weight room. I’ve been coaching him since juniorhigh.”

On defense, Vaughn was credited with nine tackles and a causedfumble. “I like playing offense and defense.”

Vaughn also does well in the classroom, maintaining a B average.His favorite subject is English.

Asked about his favorite college player, Vaughn said he likes tofollow the exploits of Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick. OnSundays he enjoys watching the St. Louis Rams, the defending SuperBowl champions, on television.

He has a younger brother, Jamal, a ninth grade cornerback. Theyare among several players who Deere delivers every evening to theirhomes near Wesson in northern Lincoln County.