Fans returning to Troy to enjoy the Charles Henderson homecoming festivities got to witness a record-setting performance by the Trojans.

Charles Henderson defeated Headland 73-6 Friday night setting new school records for point scored and margin of victory.

“The kids get the credit,” Charles Henderson head coach Mike Dean said. “Sometimes games work out that way. We created some turnovers and got some quick scores.”

The previous records were both set in 2002 when the Trojans defeated Escambia County 62-0.

Running back Courtney Downing followed up his 220-yard, four touchdowns performance against St. James with 262 yards and four more scores on Friday.

Downing got the Trojans on the board early when he took the handoff on the team’s first play from scrimmage 89 yards to the end zone.

“Execution. It’s all about execution,” Downing said. “When we execute it’s hard to stop us.”

Charles Henderson (5-2, 3-2 Class 4A Region 2) scored in all three phases of the game as the Trojans blocked a punt in the end zone on the ensuing drive for a safety. In the second quarter, Demario Harris intercepted a pass and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown to give Charles Henderson a 24-0 lead.

 

The Rams (1-6, 0-5) not only failed to slow down the Charles Henderson offense, but they couldn’t keep from dropping grenades in their own foxhole either. Following Harris’ pick-six, Headland fumbled with 2:47 remaining in the half at its own 8. Two plays later, Downing was in the end zone with his second score of the night.

Charles Henderson would intercept two passes in the game and force four fumbles recovering one.

Backup running back Kristopher McKinney also had a nice night for the Trojans, who rushed for 397 total yards in the game. The freshman rushed for 56 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns. Luke Hastings also had a rushing score on the night.

“I knew we had it in us,” said Downing about the team’s offensive explosion. “It’s been coming for a while. We just keep working harder in practice and getting better.”

Charles Henderson finished with 426 yards of offense.

“Each week we’re getting better and better,” Dean said. “I thought we started out a little flat, but got things going after that.”

The only negative in Charles Henderson’s game was a debit of 99 yards on 10 penalties.

With the win, the Trojans improved their playoff positioning. While they have yet to clinch a playoff berth, it will take a complete collapse to oust Charles Henderson from the postseason. With Alabama Christian’s loss to Tallassee Friday night, the Trojans jump to third in the region standings, meaning they will still travel in the first round of the playoffs.

Charles Henderson travels to Ashford High School next week.