The Charles Henderson Trojans begin the 2014 season in the same spot they ended 2013: on top of the 4A baseball world.

The Trojans are ranked No. 1 in the first Alabama Sports Writers Association poll of the season.

The No. 1 ranking marks the eighth consecutive week the Trojans have been on top going back to the 2013. Charles Henderson went wire-to-wire as No. 1 last season.

“We really have no control over the rankings,” said Charles Henderson head coach Derek Irons. “We want to win as many games as we can. We will probably take a look at them on Thursday, then get back rolling.”

Charles Henderson has been ranked in every Alabama Sports Writers Association poll since the beginning of the 2007 season.

“The players like it,” said Irons. “Every year the guys talk about not being the team to break that streak. It is something they take pride in, and it motivates them.”

Charles Henderson leads a strong pack of contenders in 4A. Oneonta is ranked second, followed by Childersburg, UMS-Wright and Brooks.

Pike Liberal is ranked second in the first poll of the season. The Patriots, the 2012 AISA AAA champions, come in right behind rival Edgewood, and ahead of Tuscaloosa, Autauga and Fort Dale.

The Patriots are 11-4 on the season with two of their losses coming at the hands of the top-ranked Wildcats.

Pike also owns victories over fourth-ranked Autauga and the No. 9 Abbeville Christian Generals.

Pike Liberal head coach Butch Austin said the rankings help the confidence of the players.

“I am really happy for the kids,” said Austin. “They have worked hard and it is good that other people see it. I think the ranking will give them even more confidence than that already got.”

Pike Liberal has been ranked in every poll over the last four seasons.