TALLASSEE – The Charles Henderson Trojans got ahead early and pulled away late to pick up their first win of the year, 28-12 over Tallassee.

The two-headed running back monster of Courtney Downing and Stanley Crawford rolled up 206 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

“Our plan this week was to let Courtney run the ball a little more,” said CHHS head coach Hugh Fountain. “He (Downing) cramped up in the fourth quarter and Stanley picked up where he left off.”

Crawford ran hard in the fourth quarter and finished the night with 85 yards on the ground and a late touchdown run that put the game out of reach.

“Stanley played the game tonight, that we have been expecting and wanting him to play” said Fountain.

The Trojan defense play an effective game and limited the Tigers to just 212 offensive yards.

“Our defense accepted the challenge and came to play tonight,” Fountain said.”

The CHHS defensive unit even got in on the scoring Friday night.

DeQuante Shockley stepped in front of a pass from the Tallassee quarterback and raced down the sideline for a 62-yard interception return for touchdown.

“I’m really happy and excited for Dequante” said Fountain. “If I’m not mistaken that is his first TD of any kind.”

The Tigers drove down the field smoothly on the opening series of the contest and scored on what appeared an early touchdown on an 18-yard speed sweep. The score was called back due to a holding penalty and Tallassee didn’t get back to pay dirt, missing a 38-yard field goal later in the drive.

Penalties would be a major storyline of the game. The yellow hankie flew 16 times during the contest with 11 coming against the Trojans.

“We had some mistakes, a couple of turnovers and way too many penalties, but we were able to put this one away.”

The win was Charles Henderson’s first of the year and was also a vital early season region win.

“There is no such thing as a must win game in week two of the year” said Fountain. “The winner of this game the last couple of years has challenged for the region title, while the loser has had to fight to make it to the playoffs.”

Fountain summed up the Trojans night with a simple one liner, that all coached use.

“We made the best out of a not so great night, and we will take a W back to Pike County.