Charles Henderson shut out in 5A playoffs

TROY — Charles Henderson’s high-octane offensive attack sputtered in the first round of the playoffs.

Citronelle’s Andrew McCollough kicked a 27-yard field goal with 19 seconds left in the third quarter for the game’s only score as the Wildcats advanced to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs with a 3-0 win at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium Friday.

“Coming into tonight, we knew they were a very good offensive football team,” Charles Henderson head coach Hugh Fountain said.

“We knew we had to score points tonight and we had a goose egg.”

The Trojans’ first four drives ended in turnovers, though two were interceptions in the end zone on fourth down.

The big blow came late in the third quarter, when the Trojans were called for a face mask on the tackle of a punt returner, which gave Citronelle 15 yards to the CHHS 27. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty pushed the ball to the 12.

“They said the guy was arguing the call, and that’s not good if that’s what he was telling me,” Fountain said.

An illegal block pushed Citronelle back to the 25, but the Wildcats got back to the 10 before the field goal.

The Trojans responded, driving to the Citronelle 17, but K.D. Edenfield’s pass on 3rd-and-4 was tipped. Receiver Corey Dennis caught it but was tackled for a loss of three.

Dustin Smith’s 36-yard field goal attempt was then blocked. The Trojans forced a punt and took over at their 13 with 2:45 left.

Edenfield hit Stanley McGhee for a gain of 17, but a chop block penalty on the next play followed by a sack on the next one forced 3rd-and-33.

Edenfield hit McGhee on a short out route for a gain of seven, then hit Dennis for a gain of 24 on 4th and 26, turning the ball over. Dennis had five catches for 46 yards. Edenfield hit 13-of-19 passes for 87 yards, but he threw three interceptions.

Citronelle (7-4) was led by Ontario Little’s 106 yards on the ground. The Trojans finished their season at 7-4.