Trojans season comes to end with loss to Highland

Highland- It was a do or die situation. All Charleston had to do was beat Highland, something they have never done in five chances, and they were in good position to return to the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. But after the Bulldogs(6-3) beat Charleston(4-5) 40-7, Friday night at Highland High School, the Trojans now have a long winter to think about what could have been.

Charleston, who had scored 99 points in it’s previous two games looked to be in for an offensive shootout with the Bulldogs, who also were prolific scorers. But after the two teams remained scoreless after one quarter of play, it seemed to be anyone’s guess about what remained for the remaining three quarters.

Highland eventually got their offense going, with 180 yards in the first half. Dylan Kurz scored the first touchdown of the game with an 11 yard grab after the Bulldogs intercepted Taylor Bartlett. Then it was Travis Becherer with a 34 yard gallop to put the Bulldogs up 14-0.

The same could not be said for the Charleston offense. For the first time since the Taylorville game, somebody found a way to stop Mario Johnson. The Highland defense held Johnson to only 42 yards in the game. Johnson did score the lone Charleston touchdown.

“A team finally figured out that we are one dimensional” Charleston coach Brian Halsey said “They took away our bread and butter, the ground game.”

However more than the lack of offense, the turnovers ended up putting the Trojans in a hole. Taylor Bartlett threw six interceptions in the game including one to Hudson Seegers which was returned 81 yards for a touchdown.

“We just turned it over too many times tonight” Halsey said. “We were down there knocking on the door, and just shot ourselves in the foot.”

Highland QB Travis Becherer led all players with 102 yards rushing with a touchdown. He also threw for 58 yards and a TD.

After going into the locker room with only a 14-0 deficit, Charleston seemed to be confident about their chances in the second half. Jameel Johnson returned the kick to the CHS 47 yard line. Then Charleston started to move the ball. Adam Drake, Austen Pankey, and Mario Johnson, all had gains on the drive which set up The Trojans deep in Highland territory. But Bartlett’s fourth interception was returned 81 yards by Seegers to make it 21-0.

Charleston went three and out, but were given new life, when Highland fumbled a punt which set up Charleston at the nine of Highland. Mario Johnson found the endzone with a 7 yard TD run to make it 21-7. That score came with 5:28 left in the third.

But Highland would make the lead 21 again with a 93 yard Kickoff Return for a touchdown by Dale Korte. Highland continued to take advantage of Charleston mistakes. Scoring on a turnover on downs by Charleston. Hudson Seegers scored on a 50 yard TD, and Dale Korte capped off the night with a 40 yard TD run to seal the deal for Highland 40-7.

After the game Coach Halsey spoke with each senior individually. He knew it was hard to have their senior season end without meeting expectations. “They didn’t quit,” he said regarding his seniors. “They kept going they battled. We want to sit here and lick our wounds and be sad, but for crying out loud, we started 0-3. And to even play for a potential playoff berth is special.

Charleston will now start the offseason, which coaches will tell anyone, is just as important as the regular season.

Freshmen Charleston Trojans practice report 10/21/08-10/23/08

When I went to the Charleston high school football field on Monday there was an unusually calm feeling amongst the freshmen team. Little did I know that starting running-backs Kody French and Chris Creek, as well as starting wide receiver/safety T.J. Bell, were all promoted to the varsity football team. All players were major contributors in the success that the Trojans have experienced this season.

I arrived on the field to the sight of footballs being launched high in the air on punt returns. The team was hard at work at finding a new punt returner to replace Bell. The running-back situation was easier to resolve considering that Charleston was already rotating runners in their previous games.

” I really don’t expect too much of a drop off on the offensive side of the ball. On the defensive side it will just take a little time for players to get comfortable with the scheme,” said Charleston Trojans defensive coordinator Carl Wolf.

Wolf made these comments on Monday, but by Wednesday coach Wolf sounded a little more confident.

” The defense was a little hesitant on Monday, but on Tuesday they were starting to fly to the football,” said Wolf.” I don’t mind if the defense makes mistakes early in the game against Cumberland, as long as they are hustling to the ball. I expect that the defense will be ready to build off of last weeks shutout of Olney .”

For some teams the loss of three starters ( two running backs, one wide-receiver) might rattle the foundation of what a teams about. Charleston will look to overcome these losses to prove that they can overcome adversity and finish the season with an undefeated record.

Hearts Attack Trojans

Effingham- Charleston Coach Brian Halsey was visibly upset after the game on Friday night against Effingham. Sitting on the floor of the locker room, Halsey only had one thing to say “It’s my fault.” A demoralizing game left Charleston stunned as Effingham rallied from 14 points down to stun the Trojans 48-41 at Klosterman Field.

Nick Jones’ 3 yard touchdown run with just under a minute to play put the cap on an amazing offensive night for both teams. 89 points, 768 yards, and a hard faught game on both sides is what the fans got to see Friday night.

The play that Halsey see’s as the turning point in the game, came late in the fourth quarter. Charleston had been stopped on 4th and six and prepared to punt the ball away. But Ryan Hale took the snap and tried to find the first down marker, but the Effingham defense had the play read and stopped him at the 48.

“I don’t know what to tell you.” Halsey said. “We got caught up in the game, and should have punted. We went with the fake, and gave them great field position.”

You can’t blame Halsey for not wanting to give the ball back to the Hearts. At that point Charleston hadn’t been moving the ball, going three and out on their last two possessions, and Effingham was pretty much unstoppable, scoring on their last two possesions. The Hearts drove the field eventually tying it up at 41 points.

After Charleston couldn’t get the offense in gear again, Effingham took the ball at the 25 after a big punt return. Charleston could have stopped the hearts after a holding penalty made it 1st and 25, but a 33 yard pass to Cole Minert made it first and goal and it only took two plays for Jones to find the end zone.

Again the workhorse for the Trojan offense was Mario Johnson. 35 carries and 231 yards is pretty good alone, but tack on five touchdowns and it makes naming Johnson the player of the game very easy.

Neither defense could stop the opposing offense. Charleston scored on every possession in the first three quarters of play. And coach Halsey credits that to his offensive line. “Our offensive line was incredible. I’m so pleased with them, and they did a nice Job.”

Another week, another lead slipping away in the second half. Charleston looked to score it’s first points in the second half in two weeks, and they did, scoring on their first two possessions of the second half to take the 34-21 lead. Effingham answered with a 3 yard touchdown by Jones, who tallied 4 scores on the evening, to make it 43-27 after the p.a.t was missed.

After an Effingham onside kick was not recovered, the Trojans went 64 yards, “super” Mario Johnson scored on a 52 yard sprint right up the gut to make it 41-27.

Effingham received the kick in the first quarter and, took the ball down the field and scored on a 1 yard plunge by Jones. But Charleston responded right back, as Mario Johnson shook off a week where he didn’t practice at all and went 15 yards for a touchdown to make it 7-7. When Effingham scored on another Jones touchdown, it looked as if it would be a shootout with both teams scoring on every possesion.

But in the second quarter, Charleston raised Jones’ two touchdowns with another Mario Johnson touchdown, but the extra point was missed and charleston trailed 14-13. But the Trojan defense tightened up, and the Effingham drive stalled, and they punted to Charleston. And thanks to some fancy moves by Jameel Johnson, Charleston started at the 17. This drive Billy Davis, Kris Wesley, and Austen Pankey took carries, capping it off with a Mario Johnson score to make it 20-14.

The most frustrating play of the game came as time expired at the half as Jones, a converted halfback, threw a 37 yard hail mary that wen’t between four Trojans and was caught by Brandon Apke to give Effingham the 21-20 halftime lead.

So the Trojans playoff picture is cut out for them. They must now beat Olney next week and Highland, a team they have never beaten, just to give themselves a shot at the IHSA playoffs.

Charleston-Effingham GamePost

Charleston Trojans (3-3)(3-2) vs. Effingham Flaming Hearts (3-3)(3-2)

Friday October 10th

Klosterman Field

Effingham, IL

7 P.M.

Radio: Hit-Mix  88.9 WEIU-FM

www.weiuhitmix.net

For the two teams who will do battle at Klosterman Field tonight, it has been a tale of two seasons. For Charleston, it was the 0-3 start, the loss at paris, and then the remarkable turnaround. For Effingham, it was the 3-0 start, the close games, and finally the back to back losses to Mt. Zion (6-0) and Robinson (1-5).

Now both teams are in a dogfight to make the playoffs. Both sit at 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the league, tied with Paris. And both have difficult schedules. Charleston will go to Olney next weekend, then on the road to play a Highland team they have never beaten. While Effingham must go on the road to face Salem, and then close out their home season with a non-conference tilt with Taylorville.

The playoff push will start tonight. Last season, the Trojans and the Hearts played a couple of classics. The first meeting took place week 7 at Trojan Hill. Effingham, who was 6-0 at the time, jumped out to an early lead, only to have Charleston come roaring back, but the hearts held on for the win. The two matched up in the first round of the IHSA playoffs. The Trojans would put up a fight with their season on the line, Eric Gentry found Jameel Johnson in the end zone with just over a minute remaining to seal the win for Charleston.

Last week, Charleston had a big lead slip away against Salem. The Trojans offense which was outstanding in the first half, couldn’t move the ball in the second, as Salem came roaring back before falling one point short. Meanwhile, if Effingham happens to not make the playoffs, the hearts can look back at last week as one of the one’s they should have won. The Hearts took an early lead, but then couldn’t hold off a late Maroons run only to lose 20-19.

Charleston Coach Brian Halsey, would like to back the carries of Mario Johnson. “I would love to get him about 15 carries,” Halsey said. “But it’s hard when he comes out with that look in his eye. You’ve got to give him the rock.”

Johnson has been the star of the Trojan season so far. Meanwhile his brother Jameel can’t seem to find his rhythm. Only catching 3 balls for 18 yards last week.

For the Trojans, the player to watch is QB Nick Jones. He has rushed for 732 yards, and thrown for 277. Charleston must key on Jones if they want to keep the game in hand tonight. They have had trouble with option attacks in the past. The front 8 for Charleston must also worry about Jason Allred who has just under 500 yards on the ground this season. Last week against Salem, the Trojans were able to stop all three of the Wildcats option plays and made them beat them through the air.

Big Lead Disappears, But Trojans Hold On

Charleston-Paden Eveland is one of those players that you may have to look at your program to learn his name. But after he intercepted Logan Bolton’s Pass with just over a minute to play, he became the biggest star on a night where the spotlight is reserved for Homecoming King and Queen, as Charleston hung on to beat Salem on Friday night, 27-26.

But the biggest play of the night was one that was not made. Trailing 27-20, Salem(3-3)(2-3) scored a touchdown. Down 27-26, Salem coach Scott Steward decided to go for two. But Bolton’s pass sailed high and Charleston(3-3)(3-2) held on.

Once again Mario Johnson was the Charleston workhorse, racking up 30 carries for the third straight week, on his way to 140 yards rushing with a touchdown. The plan was to back the carries down, but coach Brian Halsey said that Mario wanted the ball.

“I didn’t want him to have that many carries,” Halsey said. “I wanted him to have about 15 but when he comes off and has that look in his eye, you gotta give him the rock.”

Over the last week, Halsey has been unhappy with his passing game, and last Saturday at Robinson, the receivers didn’t play up to their potential.

“I thought we had a better game this week” said Halsey. “We had some big catches when we needed to.”

Salem came into the game with it’s option offense. But Charleston was ready for what ever the Wildcats threw at them.

“They didn’t really hurt us on the ground” Halsey said. “We were going to make them throw to beat us. We took our free safety out and manned up. We rolled the dice and fortunately came out on top.”

Salem got the ball to start the game, and on his first pass attempt Logan Bolton connected with Matthew Brummel for a 60 yard pass which set up a one yard TD run from Kody Moore to give Salem the lead 6-0

Charleston’s first score didn’t come on offense but rather special teams. When Reese Druse fumbled an Austin Pankey punt and gave the Trojans the ball at the Salem 13. On the very next play Taylor Bartlett found Mario Johnson in the end zone and Charleston lead 7-6.

After the ensuing Charleston kick, Billy Davis stripped the ball from Bolton and took it back 36 yards to give Charleston the 14-6 lead.

Leading 21-6 after Billy Davis’ one yard TD run, the Trojans would strip the ball again. Jameel Johnson ripped the ball out of the arms of Cory Kloppedal in the second quarter which he returned to the salem 27.

“It was just guys being physical” Halsey said. “Doing what the coaches tell them during the week and ripping the ball out. Those were huge.” The second Salem turnover of the game lead to another Trojan touchdown as Mario Johnson scored from 16 yards to put the Trojans up 27-6.

While the first half belonged to the Trojans, the second half was all Wildcats.

Charleston couldn’t get much going in the second half, as Salem found their stride. Salem used the pass to cut apart the Charleston defense. With nine players within five yards of the line of scrimmage, the Wildcats threw for 212 yards.

The Charleston defense allowed one big play. Matthew Brummel went around left end and took the ball 75 yards for the touchdown. to cut the lead to 27-13. After that the Charleston offense stalled punting twice and a turnover on downs in the third quarter. And after a 33 yard pass, and a 3 yard TD run by Moore, Salem had cut the lead to 27-20.

Entering the fourth it was Salem’s game to win it seemed, as Charleston couldn’t seem to stop the Wildcats. But Charleston had a big stop in the fourth quarter as they forced a Salem punt. At 7:32 Charleston took over and needed to run some clock. But with 5:05 Charleston punted again, and a solid punt by Austen Pankey trapped Salem at the CHS 23.

But Salem would not be denied. A 39 yard pass play, and three straight rushes by Kody Moore had Salem in the endzone. The decision to go for two was made but Salem couldn’t connect and the lead had shrunk to one.

Down 27-26,  Salem attemped an onside kick, but Cody Rennels made the correct play and fell on the ball. But still salem had one more chance at the win. Charleston punted giving Salem the ball but no timeouts. But Paden Eveland made the play of the evening intercepting the Bolton pass and sealing the win for Charleston’s outgoing senior class.

The last game at Trojan Hill this year leaves Charleston’s work cut out for them. They must now win two out of three on the road in order to be playoff eligible.

Salem-Charleston GamePost

Salem Wildcats (3-2) (2-2) vs, Charleston Trojans (2-3) (2-2)

Friday October 3rd

Trojan Hill

Charleston, IL

7 pm Kickoff

Homecoming/Senior Night

Radio:

Home: Hit-Mix 88.9 WEIU-FM

Away: 100.1 WJBD-FM

Its all about how you bounce back. Thats what coaches tell their players after a tough stretch. The first three games of the season provided the spring board for Charleston to bounce. Recently however, the Trojans have come to play, winning their last two. But this game at Trojan Hill tonight could set the tone for the rest of the season.

Salem enters play 2-2 in the apollo conference, which is the same record as Charleston. This game looks to be a tossup. Charleston’s offense was held to only 13 points last weekend at Robinson, as they downed the Maroons 13-6. Charleston has shown that it can score points, putting 44 on the board against Newton.

It will be the offense which sets the tone tonight, mainly Mario and Jameel Johnson. Mario seems to be finding his stride this season, following up his 200 yard performance against Newton with 166 yards against Robinson. Meanwhile, Jameel Johnson needs to get his game going. Johnson hasn’t caught as many balls this season as many thought. Last week he was thrown to seven times only catching one.

The toughest task after this week will be the road. Tonight at Trojan Hill will be Homecoming. It will also be senior night. What? Yes, you read it correctly. Senior Night and Homecoming, on October 3rd. Charleston will go on the road for their final three games. The Trojans go to Effingham, to Olney, and to Highland to wrap up their season. The Trojans are 1-1 on the road so far. The Playoffs are within reach for these Trojans but the travel will factor in as they quest to return to the post season.

Firing On All Cylinders, Charleston Downs Newton

Charleston- A totally different team showed up to play football on Friday night at Trojan Hill. This team ran, passed, and tackled like a team that was picked by the Apollo Conference coaches to win the conference. The Charleston Trojans, trailing by 16 points in the third quarter, scored 27 unanswered points to stun Newton 44-33.

“It was a gut-check,” Charleston Coach Brian Halsey said. “Our kids didn’t quit and we got big runs and big passes in the second half.”

But what stood out for Charleston was the play on third down. CHS went 10-13 on third down to keep the chains moving. Something Halsey said was “Huge.”

Many of those big runs came from the legs of senior Mario Johnson. He finished with 203 yards on 37 carries with three touchdowns. ” He was a little beat up and sore,” Halsey said. “But he never asked to come out, and he wanted the rock and he was our horse tonight.”

Johnson finshed off the game with a five yard touchdown run to seal the deal for Charleston. The second half of the brothers Johnson, Jameel, got the scoring started in the fourth quarter with a 6 yard touchdown catch to pull the Trojans to within two points of Newton. After a fumble by Ty May, Charleston took over with 8:03 in the game, and punched it in with a two yard sneak by QB Taylor Bartlett. That score put Charleston up 37-33.

With 7:28 on the clock in the third quarter, Newton finished off a 72 yard drive with a one yard QB dive play for a touchdown by Ty May to give Newton a 33-17 Lead. After that, it was all Charleston. A big 56 yard pass play from Bartlett to Jameel Johnson set charleston up and on third down yet again Charleston found the endzone with Austin Pankey bringing it in from three yards out.

After that touchdown to cut the lead to 8, Charleston’s defense needed to step up, but instead, Newton’s offense did the stopping. Newton had two penalties for 10 yards on their drive setting up a Newton punt, which was the only one of the evening.

Charleston Opened the second quarter scoring with a 5 yard TD run by Mario Johnson to tie it up at 14. Charleston’s defense would recover a Scott Mammoser fumble less than a minute later. Charleston would be denied on a 3rd and 7, and in a suprise move, Brian Halsey sent Brandon Browning out to attempt a 36 yard field goal that sailed right down the middle to give Charleston the three point lead.

“He handled his shot,” Said Halsey. “That might be a school record. He deserved his shot and he handled it.”

After the kickoff Newton put together a nice drives of runs by May, but Kris Wesley stepped in front of a May pass and picked it off. But Charleston would only have the ball for eight seconds, as Bartlett threw an interception to Justin Pittman, which set up a 28 yard Austin Swingler touchdown run. And another turnover would haunt the Trojans as Pittman intercepted bartlett again and took it 42 yards to the house to put Newton up 27-17 at the half.

The First drive of the ball game saw charleston take the kick 65 yards setting up Charleston with nice field position. But a fumble by Christian Hupp gave the ball to Newton.  They took the ball at the 39 and took the early lead on a 14 yard touchdown run by Alex Frohning.

Charleston showed early that they were able to convert on third down, with two conversions on the drive and one on fourth down to get on the board on Mario Johnson’s first touchdown run of the evening.

But Newton would regain the momentum. On the ensuing kickoff, Craig Emmerich took the kick back 86 yards for a touchdown to put Newton ahead 14-7.

Coach Halsey credits his defense for keeping the Trojans in the game. “Bend but don’t break. We put them in a bind with some turnovers and giving up that Kickoff return. But they made plays tonight when we needed them.”

Charleston now stands 1-3 on the year and 1-2 in the Apollo. Next week the Trojans face the only team in the Apollo without a victory, 0-4 Robinson. The game will be played Saturday afternoon in Robinson. This is also the first game that Charleston Broadcaster Jack Ashmore will not call in 15 years. He will be calling the Ohio Valley Conference opener for Eastern Illinois University against Jacksonville State.

Charleston-Newton GamePost

Newton Eagles (2-1) (1-1) vs. Charleston Trojans (0-3) (0-2)

Friday Sept. 19th

Trojan Hill

Charleston, IL

7 p.m. Kickoff

Radio: Hit-Mix 88.9 WEIU-FM

Disappointment was the word of the night for Charleston players, coaches, and fans after an crushing 28-14 loss to Paris. The game marked the return of the familiar Charleston Offense, with Taylor Bartlett back at quarterback, and Jameel Johnson returned to receiver. Basically Charleston started over, with a new look and a new goal, get up off the mat and try to get this season back on track.

Bartlett managed the game against Paris very well and it will be interesting to see how he has progressed in this system since last week. It will be interesting to see if Jameel Johnson has gotten past his early season issues and if he can return to be the threat that he was last season.

After the Paris game, Coach Brian Halsey preached two things, Defense, and Tackling. Both must improve to stop this Newton Team, especially through the air. Newton threw the ball 12 times for 109 yards against a tough Effingham secondary. But the defense for Newton is where they shine. After giving up 10 first downs in the first half, Effingham didn’t get a single one in the second half. Newton is definitely a second half team.

Expect a vastly improved Charleston Trojan team than the one that those red and gold clad fans saw last weekend. The game will depend on those two pillars of football. Blocking and Tackling. If those are done, then you could see a Charleston victory tonight at Trojan Hill.

Paris Running Game Too Much for Trojans

Paris- Levi Eslinger, has endured years of Paris being the doormat of the Apollo Conference. Friday night he helped the Paris Tigers send their message to the rest of the conference after Paris ran all over Charleston for 307 total rushing yards en route to a 28-14 win.

Eslinger was the most effective offensive weapon, “He ran hard and didn’t quit” Charleston coach Brian Halsey said. Eslinger ran for 221yards and 2 touchdowns on 32 carries, which was above his average of 25 carries a game during the first two games.

Charleston came into the game with a new look, that was also the old look. Yes, Charleston was back in the I formation, and Jameel Johnson was back at his familiar Wide Receiver position.

Paris took the opening kickoff and the first drive, Charleston knew what it was in for. Eslinger took the ball and on on his first 5 carries he rallied off 57 yards, including a 34 yard touchdown run.

“They set the tone on their opening drive” Halsey said.

But Charleston retaliated, by marching down the field with a combination of Mario Johnson and Taylor Bartlett, the new quarterback, as he hooked up with Adam Drake on an amazing diving touchdown catch.

“Adam [Drake] had a great game, on both sides of the ball” Halsey said, “and Taylor Bartlett stepped in and had a gutsy performance.” Bartlett Finished the game with 81 yards and a touchdown, Drake finished with 67 yards and a touchdown as well.

with 5:54 to go in the second quarter, Jake Keys got Paris back on the board with a 23 yard fullback dive for a touchdown, giving Paris the 14-6 lead.

Charleston recieved the kickoff in the second half and after Mario Johnson returned the kick 65 yards, Charleston was in business and Taylor Bartlett got Charleston on the board again with a one yard QB sneak. The Trojans would convert the two point conversion to make the score 14 all.

Charleston seemed to have the momentum, but Paris would not be shut down, as Levi Eslinger would continue to pound the ball as Paris drove 70 yards and Eslinger would power it in from one yard out to give Paris the 21-14 lead.

Charleston looked as if they were not discouraged, but an interception by Chase Brinkley at the Paris 36 gave paris the momentum.

Charleston however was the recipient of a nice break after they got a huge fumble recovery. But the Trojans couldn’t capitalize, after three unsuccessful tries, Charleston fumbled the shotgun snap on 4th and five at their own 45 and turned the ball over when Taylor Bartlett was sacked.

Eslinger’s 10 yard TD run was the icing on the cake for the anxious Paris crowd who celebrated its first win against Charleston since 2000.

After the game Halsey preached the fundamentals. “Right now we’re a ballclub trying to find itself, find our niche. Its fundamentals, we’ve got to block and tackle.”

Charleston meanwhile drops to 0-3 for the first time since Brian Halsey’s second year as Charleston coach.

It again, doesn’t get any easier next week with the Newton Eagles coming to town for the second to last Home game of the year.

Charleston Looks To Build on Deep Playoff Run

Brian Halsey knows that his Charleston team won’t sneak up on anyone this season.

After going 7-5 and reaching the IHSA 5A state quarterfinals, the Trojans are trying to prove that last season’s improbable run was no fluke. Halsey’s team has had as much practice as every other team, but he thinks that his team is primed to get on that field. “Honestly, I think we were ready to play last Friday” Halsey said.

The Charleston Trojans will have a new look this season, a 3 back offense in a yet to be named formation that features quarterback A, whoever it may be, and then a bunch of backs including Mario Johnson, Billy Davis, and Kris Wesley. Taylorville Scott Alberssen believes the Charleston offense can find it’s stride quickly. “I think it could work, if their lines can figure it out.”

This year’s team has some holes to fill, however. Gone are names like Gentry, Campbell, Daily, and Gooden. We’ll take a look at the biggest things in Trojan Nation this season, before they tee it up against Taylorville Saturday.

Biggest Question: Quarterback

Coach Halsey, who has been secretive when it comes to his starters for years now, didn’t give any insider info on who will start under center Saturday night, but he did say that we could see a few players take some snaps. Ryan Hale, who played receiver as a junior, now moves back under center for his senior season. He will battle Taylor Bartlett for the starting position. Neither got much time at the position last season, only Bartlett got some snaps in a few games. And if you believe the conspiracy theorists, there is a third candidate in the mix. Could it be Jameel Johnson?

Biggest Strength: Offensive Line

“Up front, I’m tickled to death,” Halsey says “we’ve got two sophomores at guard who are huge and athletic and talented and smart kids.” Junior Jon Stallons and Senior Jeff Barber both return a year older and stronger on a line that did a fantastic job of giving Eric Gentry time to throw last year.

Key Returners:

n Mario Johnson–Split Time last season with Taylor Bradley, rushed for 534 yards with 8 TD’s on 86 carries

n Jameel Johnson-Caught 38 balls for 834 yards and 11 TD’s.

n Billy Davis-Saw some varsity minutes in a few games where Taylor Bradley and Mario Johnson were academically ineligible. Look for increased carries out of the junior back.

Key Losses:

n Eric Gentry-broke the 36 year old career passing record

n Ross Daily-Strong tackler at OLB position.

n Michael Campbell-Two way starter at linebacker, but will be missed clearing holes as the bruising fullback.

n Matt Gooden-Safety/RB. Increased carries at the end of the year due to some academic problems, shone in the role, racking up some big yards against Highland and Effingham.

The schedule for Charleston will play a huge part in the success or failure of this team. The schedule sets up nicely in the early season with all 5 home games in the first 7 weeks. Tough games like Mt. Zion and Newton will be played at Trojan Hill. The end of the season schedule is brutal. The Trojans will be on the road from October third on. And with tough road games late in the season at Effingham and Highland could make the last three weeks a long battle to the playoffs.