Today marks the beginning of the AHSAA state playoffs and with it Charles Henderson’s march towards its second state championship.

The Trojans will play host to Monroe County at Frazier Field in a double-headed, with the first game starting at 4:30 p.m.

The Tigers come into the game with a 11-17 overall record, finishing in second in Area 4. CHHS enters the post season with a 27-8 overall record, the Area 3 championship and the No. 1 ranking in 5A.

“Our guys understand all 32 teams are good opponents,” head coach Derek Irons said. “(Monroe County) has had some quality win this season and like everyone else have gone through their ups and downs during the season.”

The Trojans are winners of seven of their last 10 games and Irons said he likes what he has seen from his team lately.

“It’s good to see the team evolve to a team that can dominate the average plays and can make the exception play from time to time. “It’s the little plays that got us to this point and will hopefully help us advance in the playoffs,” the coach added.

Starting on the mound for CHHS in the first game will be senior Mitch McLeod. This season, McLeod has a 7-2 record with a 1.88 ERA and leads the team in innings pitched, with 56, and strikeouts, with 66.

Irons said he is unsure who will start in game two.

“We have worked this week on what we can control and executing our game plan,” he said.