Charles Henderson has won 18 straight playoff games dating back to the 2013 season. To make it 19, and to get a early lead in the best-of-three series against Armdore, the Trojans will have to battle against a pitcher head coach Derek Irons feels is the best in the state of Alabama.

Ardmore’s projected game one starter, Cody Reed, has dominated opponents during his high school career.

Reed struck out 21 batters in a three-hitter earlier this season, and has struck out 19 batters in a game twice this season as well as striking out 20 in a game last year.

“Ardmore is a very good team that has probably the very best pitcher in the state,” said Irons. “For us, we have to respect him, but at the same time not get intimidated. There are nerves and stuff, but once the first pitch is thrown, it’s all baseball.”

The Trojans have seen good pitchers throughout the season, and have held their own against the talented arms of Northview, Pulaski Academy, Alabama Christian and others.

Charles Henderson has scored at least 10 runs 16 different times in 2014, including both games last week against Childersburg.

“Even when things don’t go our way, our guys have never flinched,” said Irons. “Last week in Childersburg is a prime example. They got a big inning, and we were able to respond. We have taken some punches this season, but were always able to respond with some of our own. We know we will get punched this week, and we will need to get off the deck and respond once again.”

Charles Henderson and Ardmore will being their three-game series Thursday at 7 P.m. at historic Paterson Field in Montgomery.