The Charles Henderson Trojans made a historic run to the quarterfinals of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs last season. Coach Hugh Fountain and the Trojans had never been that far into the playoffs, and not since 1980 had any Trojan team made it past the second round.

It is a new year, and a new team. This year’s set of Trojans has dropped three games in the loss column, but they feel that has made them better in the long run and will certainly help in the postseason.

The Trojans (7-3) take on the Citronelle Wildcats (6-4) at home tonight and Fountain said his team will need to be ready for a tough game.

“They throw effectively,” Fountain said of the Wildcats. “They are a running team though. It’s been a good week of practice, and this game is going to take a lot of mental focus.”

Fountain said Citronelle’s defense should be a tough task for the Trojans offense to face as well.

“Their defensive line is very good and they’re tough,” he said. “Their defense is very opportunistic. They cause a lot of fumbles and turnovers.”

Fountain believes that will be a big difference in the game.

“Number one, we have to win the turnover battle,” he said. “We’ve got to play a physical game. They run the ball straight at you. The real winner of this one will be who plays well up front just like any other big game.”

Fountain said preparation for the Wildcats is tough because of their playbook.

“They run a lot of formations,” Fountain said. “They do a lot in the kicking game, too. They are a tough team to get ready for.”

That could possibly be the reason why Citronelle had an undefeated team on the ropes earlier in the season.

It is an undefeated team the Trojans and fans are all too familiar with in the Vigor Wolves.

Citronelle lost by just three points to Vigor, giving the Wolves their closest contest of the year.

CHHS beat Vigor 21-14 last year in the second round of the playoffs

Fountain and the Trojans however are looking to make another big run through the postseason, and the first stop is Citronelle.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Movie Gallery Stadium.