Before the season, Charles Henderson head coach Hugh Fountain said he would know what type of team he had after the first five game.

Well he knows know that his Trojans are a bunch of fighters.

Even with a 2-3 overall record, Charles Henderson has played a tough series of opponents tooth-and-nail.

The Trojans have fallen by a combined 11 points in their three defeats.

“We knew we would have some young guys playing,” Fountain said. “But I feel really good about this bunch because of they way they go about everything.”

The work ethic of his team has placed them in prime position for a first-round home playoff game.

Valley, who beat Charles Henderson 21-20 two weeks ago, and Eufaula, who the Trojans play Oct. 21, are in a tie for the region lead with perfect 3-0 records. Valley and Eufaula play each other Friday night.

“We’ll be able to tell a lot more after this weekend,” Fountain said about the shape of the region.

Charles Henderson is currently knotted with Carroll, who takes on Tallassee, for second.

The last time the Trojans won an area title was 2007, when they finished 10-0 in the regular season before falling to St. Paul’s in the third round.

The Trojans have outscored their opponents 119-80 this season thanks, in part, to the efforts of Courtney Downing.

The junior tailback has accumulated 705 yards on the season, a 141-yard per game average, with four touchdowns.

“He’s a good running back,” Fountain said. “He’s rushed for over 100 yards in every game and that says something about his talent.”

Quarterback Joe Bradley also had a nice showing against Greenville last week and will look to carry that momentum into Friday night.

Game time for Charles Henderson and Russell County in Seale is 7 p.m.