Sports Editor

Whatever has happened up until this point can all be chalked up to experience for the Charles Henderson Trojan baseball team.

The Trojans will get into what can only be called the meat of their Area schedule, one that, unlike many schools, is almost completely separate from the rest of their schedule.

Six of Charles Henderson’s final seven games are against Area opponents and when it comes to the four teams in Class 5A Area 4 there is only one certainty in life ­ only two of them will make the playoffs and play past April 21.

Last year the Trojans tied for first place in the Area and played Carroll in a tiebreaker at Troy State for the crown. There, they lost 8-7 in a tightly contested game sending them on the road in the first round.

This year it all starts with Russell County, a team CHHS head coach Steve Garrett doesn’t actually know a lot about, but is wary of nonetheless.

"We don’t know a lot about them because they don’t play a lot around this area," Garrett said. "You still have to be careful with them. All of these teams will be bringing their A-game and any of them could be a fight."

CHHS will have to face off first against Russell County, then Eufaula and then Carroll all on the road to start Area play, but the up side leaves the Trojans with three Area home games to finish out the season.

"It’s kind of scary to start this off with three on the road," Garrett said. "Still, I’d rather have the last three at home, we’ll just have to see what we’re made of early."

It hasn’t been an ideal season for Garrett and the Trojans so far. They have had some unfortunate injuries, but got some time off recently.

"We took off Friday, Saturday and Sunday just to give them all some time off and time to rest," Garrett said Monday. "We got back to work today, but we have a few new little bumps and bruises."

Add CHHS starters Will Jones and David Taylor to the list of walking Trojan wounded. Both practiced Monday, but both showed some signs of pain Garrett said. Jones has to contend with stitches in his hand after accidentally slamming it in a car door while Taylor’s elbow has been hurting him as of late.

As for the rest of the crew, Hunter Mathews is still recovering from his fractured wrist, but could take the mound as soon as Tuesday against Opp to see how effective he is. He won’t be able to play any other positions or help the Trojans at the plate for at least three more weeks however.

"Hopefully we can get through the Area and try and get everyone fully healed for the playoffs," Garrett said. "We’ve got to get there first though, and that’s the step we’re at now."

Game time with Russell County is set for 4 p.m.