The Charles Henderson Trojans have adopted a new motto for the 2013 season and wear it proudly on their chests.

T-shirts emblazoned with “Unfinished Business” are worn not as a fashion statement, but as a reminder of what the new season is about.

Charles Henderson head coach Mike Dean said that the players must make a commitment to get better every single day in order to achieve their goals.

“You win championships by going to work between January and August,” said Dean. “You have to get better every single day, because that’s all we got. Yesterday, win or lose, is gone and we can’t worry with tomorrow.”

The Trojans return nine players with extensive playing on defense and seven on offense,  but are spending the majority of spring working newer players in to the system and excuting fundamentals.

Gone from last year’s quarter-final team are running back Cortney Downing, utility player Robert Lee, linebacker Joey Denison and defensive end Brandon Goshay.

Dean said that new leaders have emerged in the offseason, and the seeds were planted moments after the season-ending loss to Dora in November.

“We have over 20 seniors on this team now, but have some underclassmen who are our leaders,” said Dean. “Austin Ingram on offense and Richard McBryde on defense have been here and   know how we want to do things. They and those seniors will teach the others and get them going.”

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The Trojans open spring practice without Ingram and wide receiver John Johnson, who are deep in a quest for a state title in baseball for Charles Henderson.

Ingram, a quarterback and Johnson will be key pieces of the Trojans passing game, but with both missing the opening of spring, Dean said that working fundamentals will be key.

“Blocking, tackling, pass catching, hustling and the little things are big in the spring,” said Dean. “We as coaches , can’t get so motivated on scheming for Smith’ Station, a game that means nothing in the big picture, and forget about getting the twos, threes and fours comfortable in how we want to do things.”

Charles Henderson reached the quarter-finals of the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs in 2012, Dean’s first year as head coach of the Trojans.

The Trojans will practice through May 9.

On May 10, Charles Henderson will travel to Smith’s Station for a spring jamboree game.

Practice is held at Veterans Memorial Stadium  from 3:30-6:00 P.m. and is open to the public.