The first day the Charles Henderson baseball team came together, head coach Derek Irons told them that they had five opportunities to be champions in 2013.

The Trojans have captured three championships so far, winning the area title, plus tournament championships in the Jason Armstrong FCA Classic and the Terry Sikes Memorial. But the biggest prize, is still up for grabs.

Charles Henderson returns to the state championship series for the first time since 2008, to face a Brooks squad that has rolled through the majority of their opponents this season.

Irons said that he expects Brooks to play very competitive baseball because to make it to the title series, everyone is a good team.

“They are exactly what you expect to see in a state title series, a very good baseball team,” Irons said. “Their offense has been really good all season, and they have three really good arms on the mound.”

Only one person in the Charles Henderson dugout has been to a state final before, assistant coach Jeremy Jones. Jones was a junior on the 2004 state championship team, and knows what it takes to bring home a title.

“Yea, it’s the state title, but it’s still a baseball game,” said Jones. “You have to remember that. Once the pitch is thrown, it is all business.”

Irons agreed with his assistant.

“There may be some nerves before the game, but this team doesn’t show them,” said Irons. “We have played at Patterson and Riverwalk already this season, so it will be business as usual for us.”

The Trojans and Lions will play at historic Patterson Field on Wednesday, before heading to Riverwalk Stadium for the series conclusion on Thursday.

First pitch for Wednesday’s game is set for 7 p.m.