By Dan Smith

OZARK – Charles Henderson High knew before they entered Matthews Stadium that the Carroll High Eagles were heavy in upper classmen and had more than one Division I prospect, and that’s what they saw Friday night in a 34-14 CHHS loss to Carroll in a Class 5A, Region 2 matchup.

Eagles’ senior running back C.J. Roberts rushed for 201 yards and a touchdown, sophomore Jonathan Fells picked up 124 yards and two TD’s, while the CHHS offense could get nothing going on the night, beset by penalties and three turnovers.

Although CHHS is now 0-2 on the year and 0-1 in Region 2, there are still five region games remaining for the Trojans, something head coach Brad McCoy believes with the proper work and mindset, his team can regroup and compete for a playoff spot.

“I think some of our guys have to be careful not to rush to judgement on our season after two football games,” McCoy said. “That’s what we’ve got to figure out in their thoughts and their mindset on the next game. We have to put this one behind us and address the issues we’ve got. It’s not so much the X’s and O’s, it’s a heart and mind thing that we’ve got to overcome.”

Carroll took a 6-0 lead on its first possession on a 1-yard TD run by Fells, and went up 14-0 one possession later when Roberts scored also from 1-yard away.

CHHS then drove 79-yards in 17 plays, with Jabronski Williams taking it in from 3-yards out, the PAT was no good and Carroll led 14-6.

Quarterback Alex Reeves connected with Jaylin Haire for a 48-yard TD to go ahead 21-6, a lead Ozark held until halftime.

Carroll went up 27-6 on a 13-yard TD by Fells, and Mazue Martin scored from 1-yard out to open the fourth quarter for a 34-6 advantage.

CHHS scored its final touchdown on a 33-yard TD pass from DQ Toney to Josh Roberts, and Toney connected with Roberts again for the 2-point conversion and the 34-14 final.

The Trojans will host Greenville High next Friday night for another Class 5A, Region 2 contest.