Penalties and costly turnovers doomed Charles Henderson in a 33-21 loss to Dora in the third round of the AHSAA playoffs.

Charles Henderson head coach Mike Dean stood near midfield after the game with cheering Dora fans and players passing by fully aware that the Trojans let one slip away.

“I’m not going to let the loss take away from the kids and what they did this year, but I don’t care who you play, if you turn the ball over five times you’re not going to win,” Dean said. “If you look at the four games we’ve lost, we’ve lost the turnover battle. We did everything we could to give it away, but I’m proud of the kids for fighting back.”

Charles Henderson (9-4) threw three interceptions and lost a pair of fumbles. The Trojans were also penalized 12 times for 120 yards.

Dora (12-1) grabbed the momentum early when Kai Thomas intercepted Austin Ingram’s pass on the game’s opening drive and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown.

The Bulldogs added a field goal with 8:08 to go in the first quarter to take a 10-0 lead.

The Trojans scored late in the frame when Jermaine Parker blocked a Dora punt and John Johnson returned it 6 yards for a score.

Charles Henderson took a 14-10 lead in the second quarter on Ingram’s 21-yard strike to Josh Noel.

Dora reclaimed the lead for good, 17-14 with :13 left in the half on a busted coverage play by the Trojans that resulted in a 32-yard score.

Ingram connected with Luke Hastings in the fourth quarter for the Trojans other score.

Dora added a late touchdown after the Trojans cut the deficit to 27-21.