Pads were popping all over the field as a physical Charles Henderson team dominated in all three phases to defeat Pike County 44-2 in the Pike County Classic.

The Trojans weren’t perfect but they were close.

After De’Torrian Green blocked a Pike County punt on the game’s opening drive, Austin Ingram completed the first pass of his varsity career to Joshua Pearson for a 23-yard score to put the Trojans ahead 7-0.

“It felt good to get the nerves out,” said the sophomore quarterback. “I kind of looked off the defense and the out route opened up.”

Pike County would punt after three plays on the ensuing drive. Courtney Downing, who broke Charles Henderson’s single-season rushing record last year, carried the ball twice for 38 yards to get the Trojans to the 1-yard line. A fumble, however, would hand the Bulldogs the football in the shadow of their own endzone.

Pike County lost any momentum gained from the turnover however when Tadarion Myhand intercepted a Bulldogs pass on third down and returned it 12 yards for a score. Charles Henderson led at that point 14-0.

The Trojans would earn a safety in the second quarter while Green returned the ensuing kickoff 66 yards for a touchdown and Ingram later found John Johnson for a 10-yard scoring strike to put Charles Henderson ahead 30-0 at the half. Green would also return the second half kickoff 75 yards for a score.

The highlight of the game for the Bulldogs came late in the first quarter when Stevie Smiley picked off Ingram’s pass attempt and returned it 33 yards to the Trojans 23-yard line.

Charles Henderson’s defense stiffened and regained possession on four plays.

The Trojans defense held Pike County to just 38 yards in the first half.

“We didn’t make every play or get every call but we did a good job tonight,” senior linebacker Joey Denison said. “We got a lot stronger and bigger over the summer. We’re just looking to make plays and take care of our assignments.”

Pike County’s lone score came credit of a high snap on a Charles Henderson punt attempt.

Ingram completed 5-of-8 pass attempts for 64 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Downing finished with 63 yards on five carries.

For Pike County, Raheem Pearson rushed 15 times for 28 yards.

Charles Henderson will travel to Bayside Academy in Daphne to open the 2012 regular season Friday. Pike County will also hit the road to face Goshen on Aug. 30. Both game are set for a 7 p.m. kickoff.