By Caleb Thomas

The Charles Henderson Trojans won a physical game 6-0 against the Pike County Bulldogs on Friday night to open the 2024 season.

A stifling defense, an efficient running attack and a crucial field goal block helped the struggling Trojans win a hard-fought game in front of a packed house at Bulldog Stadium in Brundidge.

“The coaches and the staff did a great job considering COVID and everything else we had to deal with this week,” Trojans head coach Quinn Hambrite said. “We were missing five starters, so it doesn’t matter if they come here and win, whether it’s 2-0 or 6-0.”

Veteran running back Antonio Frazier led the charge for Charles Henderson, scoring a three-yard touchdown run to open the first quarter and give the Trojans a 6-0 lead.

After his opening drive, Charles Henderson failed to find the end zone again.

The Bulldogs threatened to score late in the game after a 52-yard run by junior running back Braylin Jackson. A false start forced Pike County into a 35-yard field goal attempt, but Trojans defensive back Jamal Downing rushed in, blocked the kick and kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard.

“This is a kid who shows heart, effort and everything in between,” Hambrite said of Downing, a senior. “He’s done a great job leading the secondary.”

The Trojans’ defense shut down Pike County completely in the first half. Aside from two consecutive first-down sprints by the Bulldogs late in the second quarter, Pike County’s offense had trouble moving the ball.

With less than a minute left in the first half, Pike County blocked a Trojan punt to gain excellent field position, and a missed field goal kept the score at 6-0 heading into the second half.

The defensive showdown continued in the second half. The Trojans came back with momentum in the third quarter when sophomore quarterback Kellen Stewart completed a long 44-yard pass to tight end Cedric Brown to advance the ball.

However, a fumble recovered by the Bulldogs quickly ended the attack and the defense continued to trade blows.

On Pike County’s final drive with 50 seconds left, Charles Henderson’s defensive back Kameron Christian threw an interception to secure the win.

Charles Henderson will play its first home game next Friday at 7 p.m. against Highland Home. Pike County opens regional play next week at home against Houston Academy.