The Charles Henderson Junior Varsity Trojans struggled with penalties and turnovers and they fell to the Northview Cougars 14-8.

“I saw a lot of improvement,” said Trojans coach Brad McCoy. “I can look down the offensive lineup, defensive lineup and these players have passion. They really want to win, just like we want them to. I am seeing constant improvement.

Both defenses held strong in the opening quarter. The Trojans took the opening drive 11 plays, but penalties took their toll and the Trojans were forced to turn the ball over on downs.

Trojan quarterback Kristian Andrews fumbled on the next possession.

The Cougars took advantage and capped off a four-play drive with a four-yard touchdown to give them a 6-0 lead.

The Cougars got on the board again late in the second quarter when they concluded a four play drive with a 48-yard touchdown catch. A two-point conversion gave them a 14-0 lead.

The Trojans took over possession and had their third turnover in the half when Andrews threw an interception.

“We came out slow,” McCoy said. “The offense wasn’t clicking and the defense was letting up yardage. We were having those penalties. We had unforced errors that Northview didn’t do anything to make us do, but we did. You have to eliminate those if you expect to win.”

After entering halftime-trailing 14-0, the Trojans came out in the second half and held the Cougars to a three and out. The Trojans took possession at their own 44 and went on a seven play 56-yard drive that concluded on a one-run touchdown run by Mathews and after a successful two-point conversation the Trojans cut their deficit down to 14-8.

That would be as close as the Trojans would get. With the loss the Trojans drop to 1-1. They will be in action again on Monday when they return home to take on Andalusia. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.