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By Caleb Thomas

The Charles Henderson Trojans opened their 2024 regular season at home, losing 24-0
to the 2A Highland Home Flying Squadron. The Trojans squared off against a tough Highland
Home team that has gone 22-4 in the past two years.

After a 52-yard passing touchdown by the Flying Squadron on the first play of the game,
they largely controlled the game tempo with a suffocating defense.

“We had our senior quarterback out and a couple of other guys banged up, but it’s no
excuse for the execution and gameplan,” said Trojans head coach Quinn Hambrite. “It’s all
about leadership, you either want it or you don’t.

“We have to make sure that we continue to give effort and execute. If we don’t do those
two things, it’s going to be a long season.”

Even with a 23-yard run out of the wildcat formation from Trojans receiver Kameron
Johnson, the Trojans only mustered 13 yards of total offense in the first half. Johnson later
recorded an interception at defensive back.

“Kam is an exceptional player and an exceptional student,” Hambrite said. “He gives
maximum effort and everything that happened today he earned.”

Jakaleb Faulk and C.J. May – both rated as 4-star recruits by On3 – starred on the
defensive side for Highland Home. Faulk, who also caught the opening touchdown at receiver,
is committed to Auburn.

Despite allowing the touchdown to start the game, the Trojans played solid first-half
defense. Senior running back and linebacker Nemo Williams wreaked havoc, with one and a
half tackles for loss and a quarterback pressure in the first half.

“I’m extremely proud of the defense,” Hambrite said. “We kept them on the field for too
long and eventually the score got out of hand, but they played their tails off.”

Williams also added 19 yards on 5 carries on the night, contributing on both sides of the
ball.

Special teams was eventful in the first half, with a botched punt by the Trojans leading to
a 28-yard field goal for the Flying Squadron.

Highland Home threatened to score again after a blocked punt, but Johnson made a
clutch interception on defense.

With only 20 seconds remaining in the first half, Highland Home set up for a field goal
attempt. Zarion Mack powered through the offensive line to block the kick and keep the lead at
10 points.

The Flying Squadron started to break away in the second half after a 37-yard pass to
Tyler Chaney and a five-yard touchdown run on their first drive of the third quarter. Chaney also
had two interceptions on the night.

The Trojans had no answer for senior quarterback TJ Washington, who was a game-
breaker on the ground. Washington put the Flying Squadron up 24-0 in the fourth quarter with
an 11-yard touchdown run.

Charles Henderson continues its season at home next Friday against Greenville to start
region play. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT at Veterans Memorial Stadium.