CHHS takes field under Mike Dean

Published 11:12 pm Monday, April 23, 2012

There’s a new sheriff in town and it didn’t take the citizens of the Charles Henderson High School football team long to realize things would be different.

Mike Dean, who was hired Feb. 9, kept his team energized as he flew around the turf at Veterans Memorial Stadium on the campus of Troy University. Dean barked instructions and seemed involved in all the action on the field.

“You’re always excited about the first day in pads but you go into it knowing it’s not going to be pretty,” he said.

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The Trojans are sure to have some growing pain coming off a 6-6 season.

Dean brings in a completely new system, both offensively and on defense.

Dean, who will run the defense, brought in former Faulkner University head coach Gregg Baker to head up the offense.

The offense, which seeks to replace quarterback Joe Bradley, ran with three and four wide receivers during the team’s late-practice scrimmage.

“Even though we’ve met as coaches, everyone is new to the different systems so it’s not going to be perfect,” Dean said. “You’ve got to remind yourself that everyone is excited and everything is new so there are going to be mistakes. There is a lot more for us to do but I’m looking for the way these guys take in the information we’re giving them.”

Charles Henderson is looking to advance past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

Charles Henderson will practice three days a week before wrapping up practice with a spring game against Smiths Station on May 11.