Charles Henderson first fielded a football team in 1922, but Jamey Dubose is almost starting from scratch in his first season in orange and blue.

Since arriving in Troy in January, Dubose has been constantly “beating down the halls” in an effort to get players interested and excited about playing football for Charles Henderson.

His plan has worked, as over 60 players are signed up to take part in spring practice. But the large group of players is largely new and untested, making spring all that more important.

“We have so many kids out that have not only not played for us, but haven’t played football in several years, if ever,” Dubose said. “Our numbers are up, and that is a good thing, but it will be important for us to find guys that fit our system and fill the needs we have to fill.”

Quarterback Austin Ingram returns, along with running back Mondarius Dixon and All-State linebacker Richard McBryde.

Gone from last year’s 14-1 team are four college signees, John Johnson, Hunter Kennedy, Sherrod Postell and Tedarion Myhand, along with All-Area players Xavius Burden, Josh Noel, Jermaine Parker and Quay Mays.

“We just have to find out about guys that we don’t know a whole lot about right now,” said Dubose. “Do I need to see Austin Ingram throw? No, because I know he can. Do I need to see Richard McBryde hit and tackle? No, because I know he can. But we have a lot of guys that are not proven. Everyone looks good on air, but it doesn’t always transfer to the field on Friday nights.”

The Trojans will begin spring practice on April 29, and have tentatively scheduled a spring game against Park Crossing for May 15-17.

Park Crossing, located on the east side of Montgomery, will field its first ever football team in 2014. Long-time Beauregard head coach Smitty Grider accepted the job at Park Crossing in February.

“We are leaving the exact date open for now, because I hope we are playing for a baseball state title on of those days,” said Dubose. “We will announce an exact date at a alter time, maybe even the week of.”