Greenville and Charles Henderson had played 59 football games against one another prior to Friday night, but more than likely they had never had one quite like the 2012 edition.

The Tigers fell to Charles Henderson 14-13 in a defensive struggle at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Greenville pulled within a point of the Trojans early in the third quarter after Kenterrion Riley took a handoff over right end and in for the score. The extra point, which proved to be the difference in the game, sailed wide left and allowed the Trojans to breathe easier down the stretch.

Trojans head coach Mike Dean said that this win was big for his team.

“We needed this win so much after losing to Beauregard late and Tallassaee in the last second,” said Dean. “As long as we stay as a team and keep working, God has something good in store for us.”

The high-powered Trojan offense was held in check for the majority of the night, but was able to break free on two scoring drives late in the second quarter.

Austin Ingram connected with John Johnson on a 21 yard crossing route to Charles Henderson on the board for the first time, and Courtney Downing raced in to the end zone for the games deciding score on the next drive.

“He (Johnson) still scares me a little bit,” said Dean. “He still looks slow at times, but was able to make some big catches at some critical times. Teams win championships, not individuals but he had a good night.”

The Trojan defense held Greenville in check for most of the game. The Tiger offense gained just over 300 yards of offense with most of the yards coming on the final to drives by the Tigers. Neither of the drives resulted in points for Greenville.

“I am not a ‘bend but don’t break’ type of coach,” said Dean. “We gave up too many yards. I am going to get with Coach Dunn and maybe change some personnel and packages around. I don’t like for teams to move the football between the 20’s. Come the quarterfinal round of the playoffs that will get you beat.”

Charles Henderson gets back in to region play next week versus Saint James. The win over Greenville is not a region win, but Dean feels that the Trojans can build on it.

“It is a big game, because it was the next game,” said Dean. “We have got to build on it and get on a roll and worry about no one else besides Charles Henderson.”