Derek Irons has been a head coach for over a decade, but admittedly had never been a part of a game like Friday night’s.

Charles Henderson bested Beauregard 3-2 in an 11 inning, three-hour, 32 minute marathon in game one of the double header playoff series at Frazier Field.

“This game was definitely No. 1 that I have been a part of as a coach, maybe ever, said Irons. “This is what baseball is all about, two teams competing and giving their all.”

Junior centerfielder John Johnson singled in Reilly Fox in a thick mist of rain in the bottom of the eleventh to seal the emotional win for the Trojans.

Earlier in the game, Johnson was picked off on the base path and had a line-drive single snagged inches from the gap in right-center.

Irons said that Johnson wanted to have a chance to redeem himself.

“He showed what it means to be mentally tough,” said Irons. “He had some things go against him, but found a way to make something happen when we needed it.”

Charles Henderson trailed 1-0 for nearly the entire game, but pushed two runs across in the bottom of the sixth. Beauregard tied the game in the top of the seventh.

Beauregard head coach A.J. Kehoe was happy to be a part of the game, despite coming out on the short end.

“It was definitely an amazing ball game, and both teams played great ball,” said Kehoe.

In game two, Charles Henderson led for the majority of the middle innings before Beauregard was able to tie the game in the bottom of sixth at four runs a piece.

In the top of seventh, the Trojans exploded for six runs including a monstrous three-run homer from Austin Ingram that disappeared deep in to the night over the left field wall.

Irons was proud of the effort his team showed in the sweep.

“We had numerous chances to hang our head and get down in both games,” said Irons. “But this team doesn’t do that. They always stay relaxed and motivated.”

After the second game, Irons was presented with a special “Win this game” t-shirt signifying career win No. 200 as a head coach.

Charles Henderson will meet the winner of the Jemison/UMS-Wright series that is still to be decided.