The Charles Henderson Trojans have hit the practice field in hopes of making a deep run in the playoffs this fall.

The Trojans ended last season 7-4 with a trip to the postseason. This season the Trojans return more than 20 seniors to the practice field for spring practice.

“You are always excited for spring training,” said Trojans head coach Brad McCoy. “You come off a year where you see a lot of things you need to improve on like we did. We have a lot of guys coming back that we are excited about. I think the guys are excited to hit the field to put in the work.”

The Trojans dropped their first two games a season ago before winning seven out of their last eight games. They drew the St. Paul Saints in the first round of the playoffs, coming up short 45-7.

“We left some games on the table,” McCoy said. “I thought we underachieved. We faced a great St. Paul team that I feel as we continue to work, we are going to be able to compete with those types of teams.”

To do that, the Trojans will have to rely on their seniors who have grown into McCoy’s system over the past few seasons.

“I think the most exciting thing about this upcoming team is the 20 plus seniors that we stand to put on the field,” McCoy said. “These are guys that we have had three years. That gives us a comfort level knowing that these guys know our system and our coaches. I think they have a big sense of pride about what we are trying to do.”

There will be one major position battle this spring. Noah Lowery started last season at quarterback before giving way to DQ Toney a few weeks later.

“DQ really took over the quarterback position last year,” McCoy said. “Noah will battle for that position once again. DQ, we feel, will play a lot at receiver.”

Another player to watch on the offensive side of the ball is 6’ 4” 220 pound tight end Kelshun Cambell.

“He is our big tight end,” McCoy said. “We are really excited to see what he brings to the table with his frame and athleticism.

Last season, the Trojans defense allowed 21 points per game under defensive coordinator Chuck Dunn. With another year in his system McCoy hopes his defense will continue to make plays.

“I think one of big question marks will be at the Sam linebacker position,” McCoy said. “Ashton Lewis graduated and we have to replace him. With Colby Griffin moving on to UAB, we have to replace the strong safety.

“We have Chance Pollard and Rakeem Walker back that are going to have to fill the void. I think these guys are very capable and they want that job.”

The Trojans will close out the spring with the Troy Cable Spring Classic beginning on May 11 and running through the 13. Teams from all over the state will play at Veterans Memorial stadium over a three-day span. The Trojans will take on Robert E. Lee on May 12 at 7:30.