Enterprise coaches caught improperly filming, AHSAA suspends Ben Blackmon: “This is the first time and the last time”

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Just last week, Enterprise high school head coach Ben Blackmon picked up his 150th career win. More than half of those victories came during his tenure at Spanish Fort and Gulf Shores.

On Wednesday, the Alabama High School Athletic Association handed down a one game suspension for the Wildcat’s head coach for improper filming of a future opponent’s game.

Video submitted to News 5 Sports shows Blackmon and one of his current Enterprise assistants filming last Friday night’s contest between Opelika and Dothan High. The video shows the Wildcats assistant recording the Opelika sideline while talking with Blackmon. Enterprise is set to play at Opelika this Friday. Blackmon will be suspended for the key Class 7A Region 2 matchup.

Filming games without permission is a violation of AHSAA bylaws. The rule officially states:

“A school may not video tape nor film any contest in which it is not involved unless it has received permission from both participating schools.”

Newly hired AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon confirmed on Wednesday that the association applied rule violations to Enterprise High School. No further details were provided.

Blackmon spoke with WKRG News 5 Sports Director Simone Eli over the phone on Wednesday night.

“We received a letter stating that I am suspended for Friday’s game,” Blackmon said. “I accept the ruling and will not appeal. I did not direct our young coach to record the video, but didn’t stop the action either. That is my responsibility as a 25-year veteran coach.”

Blackmon said this type of illegal filming action is an isolated situation.

“I’ve scouted games thousands of times… there’s never been video taken. This is the first time and the last time.”

Blackmon has spent more than two decades coaching high school football in Alabama. He led Spanish Fort to the Class 6A state title game three times and won the blue map in 2015. He won 77 games with the Toros, including four region championships.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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