Sports Writer

DOTHAN – Charles Henderson Middle School used a potent running attack and suffocating defense to shut out Beverlye, 28-0, in an eighth grade game Tuesday at Rip Hewes Stadium.

"We’ve been successful with the run all year," CHMS head coach Forrest Lee said. "Our frame of mind is run first, pass second, but our defense set the tone for us today."

The first Trojan touchdown came with 2:40 remaining in the first quarter when running back Anthony Terry scored from three yards out. Quarterback Martesi Carlisle hit tight end Quavian Lewis with the two point conversion for an 8-0 lead.

After CHMS recovered a fumble at their own 49 yard line, Terry topped off a 10 play, 51 yard drive with a five yard touchdown run. The two point conversion attempt failed, but CHMS held a 14-0 advantage with 2:36 left in the first half.

Beverlye’s only scoring opportunity came on the ensuing possession. A 20 yard kickoff return coupled with a 15 yard facemask penalty set Beverlye up at the CHMS 25 yard line. Adam Motes intercepted a pass on the next play, but fumbled, and Beverlye recovered at the CHMS 12 yard line. The Trojan defense forced another fumble the next play, but once again, Beverlye recovered. After missing the two previous opportunities, the CHMS defense stiffened for the final two minutes of the half. The defensive stand was highlighted with a sack by Jarred Norman and Chris Rhodes on fourth and 11 to end the half.

"The defensive stand was real big," Lee said. "We let the ball slip through our hands a couple times, but fortunately things turned out well."

The Trojans opened the second half with a 13 play, 58 yard scoring drive. The Beverlye defense stopped CHMS on the first 3 plays from scrimmage, forcing a fourth and 5. But an offsides penalty gave the Trojans a first down and some momentum. Eight plays later, Rhodes capped the drive with a three yard scamper for a touchdown. Following the extra point, CHMS pushed their lead to 21-0 with 2:41 left in the third quarter.

An interception by Jeremy Jones, the fifth turnover forced by the CHMS defense, lead to the final touchdown of the game. Terry broke loose for 48 yards and a touchdown, but a clipping penalty negated the score. The Trojans wouldn’t be denied as Carlisle found the endzone three plays later from a yard out.

The win upped the Trojans record to 4-1 on the season.

The Trojan seventh graders picked up an 8-0 win in 12 minutes of action prior to the eighth grade game. Jhakenda Fayson raced 29 yards for the only score of the game. Reginal Toney added a 37 yard run late in the 12 minute period. Clay Helms lead the defensive effort with an interception.

"It’s good to get these kids some playing time," CHMS seventh grade coach Robin Snyder said. "Win or lose, we want these kids to get used to playing so they are prepared for next year."

CHMS travels to Greenville next Thursday.