By By Tammy Graham
ATMORE – Charles Henderson High School did not dominate Escambia County like they did last year, but the result was pretty much the same.
Escambia County actually outgained the Trojans 214-140, but two Patrice Brooks interceptions and one Brooks fumble recovery set up 19 Trojan points, and quarterback Jared Loftin contributed to four touchdowns as Charles Henderson (2-0, 1-0) defeated Escambia County (0-2,0-1) 25-0.
The Trojan offense, explosive in the first game against Andalusia, struggled against Escambia County. The Trojans gained 117 yards on 39 carries and threw for only 52 yards.
But while the Blue Devils were moving the ball up and down the field, their six turnovers kept them off the board. They also set up the Trojans with a short field.
The Trojans' first points were set up by a Blue Devil turnover. Brooks recovered a Calvin Davis fumble at the ECHS 33 in the first quarter. Loftin threw his first career touchdown pass to Jacquez Williams, a 20-yard strike with 5:09 to play.
Brooks and Loftin teamed up again in the second quarter for the game's biggest stretch. Escambia County was driving for the tying score when Brooks intercepted a Dereke Martin pass three yards deep in his own endzone and returned it to the Henderson 45. Loftin ran a quarterback draw on the ensuing play 55 yards for a score. Josh Post uncharacteristically missed the PAT, and the Trojans carried a 13-0 lead into the break.
Williams intercepted a pass in the third quarter on a fake-punt attempt to set the Trojans up at the ECHS 41. The Trojans drove the ball for the score, and Loftin threw his second touchdown pass of the game. He hit Byron Williams for a 10-yard strike.
Brooks' second interception and return set up the Trojans with a first-and-goal at the ECHS 8-yard line. Loftin took the ball in on third-and-goal from the 4-yard line to end the scoring at 25-0.
The interception was set up by a 65-yard punt by Post. He pinned the Blue Devils at their own 6-yard line to start the drive.
Loftin finished the day 4-for-8 for 52 yards, no interceptions and two scores. He also ran the ball eight times for 40 yards and two scores.
Chris Simpson led the Blue Devils with 100 yards on 19 carries. Martin finished the day 9-for-21 for 97 yards, but he threw three interceptions and lost a fumble on a scramble.