After defeating cross-county rival Pike County last week, Charles Henderson Trojans shift the focus this week to UMS Wright.

“We are ready,” said Trojans head coach Brad McCoy. “We have had a good week of practice … We have everybody healthy, and I think winning last week has boosted everybody’s morale.”

UMS Wright is the defending 4A Region 1 champions.

“First thing is their reputation,” McCoy said. “Those kids and that program are used to winning. This a group that typically doesn’t make mistakes. They don’t turn the ball over or beat themselves. If you are a football team that struggles in those areas, then that will get you beat.”

Both disciplined play and ball security have been challenges for the Trojans.

Noah Lowery will the lead the CHHS offense against an athletic physical Bulldogs defense. Last week Lowery completed nine of 11 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns.

“If he’ll do what he did last year in the way of making good decisions and taking care of the ball and if the offense does what they did in giving him a good amount of time, then he should have a good night,” McCoy said. “UMS is going to bring pressure, and he is certainly going to have to be on top of his game. He has to do what he has been coached to do.”

The Trojans defense will have to contend with senior running back and Jacksonville State recruit Michael Mathews. As a junior Mathews ran for nearly 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns.

“They have a really talented running back,” McCoy said. “He was hurt and has been recovering from a knee injury and all indications from Mobile are that coach Terry Curtis is going to play him. I don’t know if he is 100 percent yet, but the word we are getting is that he is.”

The Bulldogs will also be getting their starting quarterback back in the lineup after missing last week due to a suspension.

“Those two kids being back in the lineup is going to pose a huge challenge,” McCoy said. “Those guys are coming off a 12-1 team last year.”

The Bulldogs offense will attack the Trojans with a pro-style offense that features a fullback, tailback and tight ends. McCoy said his defense will have to be able to line up the correct way.

The Trojans have the advantage of opening the season at home and they plan to take advantage of it.

“We are excited to be back here after traveling last week,” McCoy said. “It does kick off the season for us. We are going to have a City of Troy Appreciation night. Hopefully we will have a huge crowd and have a lot of people come out.”

All uniform personnel will be admitted free to the game along with all Charles Henderson students.

Kick off is 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium.