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On Friday night, the Charles Henderson Trojans (2-3) were shutout for the first time in the regular season since 2021, falling 29-0 to the Benjamin Russell Wildcats (3-3) on the road in a non-region matchup.

Both teams came into the contest a bit shorthanded with injuries across both teams. The Wildcats, though, took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter after scoring the only points of the opening period on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Alijah Johnson to Cederian Morgan with less than five minutes remaining in the first.

The only points that came in the second quarter were the result of a 69-yard interception return for a touchdown from Benjamin Russell’s Lajavious Calhoun. The Wildcats took a 13-0 lead into halftime.

The third quarter, however, was all Benjamin Russell. The Wildcats rolled up 98 yards of offense in the third quarter – compared to Charles Henderson’s (-36) yards – and scored 16 points in the period.

The scoring started on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Morgan early in the period and then Charles Henderson had a punt blocked into the end zone for a safety. Finally, the Wildcats scored on a 29-yard touchdown pass from Alijah Johnson to Eric Young. Neither team found the end zone in the fourth quarter.

The Trojans managed just 14 total yards in the second half and 77 total yards for the game. CHHS also turned the ball over three times, had two punts blocked and were penalized seven times.

Nemo Williams led the Charles Henderson offense with nine carries for 57 yards, while Kellen Stewart completed 6-of-15 passes for 42 yards and two interceptions. Jamal Downing returned four kickoffs for 130 yards.

On defense, Ziggy Boyd led he way with eight tackles and 1.5 tackles-for-loss. Zarion Mack recorded four tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and a forced fumble. Kam Christian and Terrence Thomas also each earned an interception.

For Benjamin Russell, Johnson completed 12-of-23 passes for 179 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Morgan caught eight passes for 13 yards and two scores, while Christian Smith earned 73 yards on 13 carries. Calhoun returned 2 punts for 70 yards.

Charles Henderson returns to region play next Friday, Oct. 4, against Andalusia in a Class 5A, Region 2 game.