The countdown clock in the Charles Henderson practice facility shows 16 days until the Pike County game, and Trojans defensive coordinator Chuck Dunn is ready to go.

Dunn is entering his second year at CHHS, having come from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He brought a new defensive scheme that is taking root.

“I am very pleased with where we are,” Dunn said. “We don’t play for another 16 days, but I am happy with where we are both mentally and physically.”

Last season the Trojans allowed 28 points per game and had trouble giving up big plays. “These guys have been around me for 13 months, and you can tell they know me and what to expect,” Dunn said. “We are more coachable this year, and we want to be great.”

Dunn preaches playing with intensity, and he conducts frenetic practices for the players.

“I expect a high intensity level,” he said. “I want coaches to coach at a high level. If we don’t do that, they won’t play at a high level.

“That is what defense is about. It’s about flying around and making plays.”

The Trojans have only one other returning coach on defensive. The Trojans have added coaches Travis Baxley, Kanorris Davis and Mike Benefield.

“They come to work everyday and they are prepared,” Dunn said. “Their players are playing for them.”

One advantage Dunn acknowledges heading into the 2016 season is that his team seems more athletic.

“We are so much more athletic,” Dunn said. “We have someone that can run at every position. We are going to utilize our speed.”

And until the Aug. 19 opening game, the team continues to work on defense.

“We need to work on communication,” Dunn said. “Starting next week we will be working on Pike County, but for right now we need to become better tacklers and be better at pursuing the football.”

Kick off between the Trojans and the Bulldogs will be at 7 p.m. on Aug 19 at Bulldogs Stadium in Brundidge.