The Messenger sports staff will honor one defensive and one offensive player from the area who had a big impact on the outcome of their respective team’s game.

Offense: Mondarius Dixon, Charles Henderson

Last week, the arm of Austin Ingram carried the Trojans to a win in Tallassee, but Friday saw the emergence of running back Mondarius Dixon in Charles Henderson’s 56-0 rout of Alabama Christian Academy.

Dixon ran over, around and past the Eagle defense to the tune of 165 yards and four touchdowns on just 12 carries. The junior running back averaged over 13 yards a carry in the rout.

Dixon also reeled in one pass against the Eagles for 45 yards to finish the night with 210 total yards.

The win kept the perfect season intact for the Trojans, ranked third in the state of Alabama by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, and moved the team one step close to a region championship.

 

Defense: Demario Harris, Charles Henderson

The suffocating Charles Henderson defense rebounded from a “not so hot” performance against Tallassee to record a shut out against ACA. Demario Harris, one of the leaders of the Trojan defense, made his presence known early and often.

Harris finished the night with six tackles, one tackle for loss and two interceptions. Harris and the rest of the Trojan defense allowed just 111 offensive yards against the Eagles, and forced five total turnovers.

Through four games, the Charles Henderson defense is averaging 14 points per game.

The Trojans are a perfect 3-0 in region play, and have all but locked up a spot in the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs.