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2026 Charles Henderson Trojans Team Preview

January 2, 2026
Austin Sharp
Alabama Scouting Director

The 2026 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Alabama.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in the Jacksonville/Oxford/Montgomery area at the AISA or AHSAA state championships, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Alabama. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing our scheduled podcasts and releasing our preseason top-10 rankings in each AHSAA classification.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state.

Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week, updating the top-10 ranks in each AHSAA classification, as well updating our Power 25 overall rankings. One thing, especially, you don’t want to miss are our scheduled podcasts with guests from across the state, as well as the recaps and previews of the big games we’re covering.

*Please note the information has been gathered from head coaches across the state, based on their replies to the questionnaire we distributed over this offseason.

High School: Charles Henderson Trojans
Head Coach: Chase Smartt
Classification & Area Number: Class 5A, Area 3
2025 Record (Finish): 20-14 (1st Round)

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

3B/RHP Chase Vaznaian (9/24/23)

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

  • C Easton Faircloth (2028)
  • OF Briece Baker (2029)

TEAM OUTLOOK

Charles Henderson enters the 2026 season coming off a solid 20-14 campaign in 2025 that ended with a first-round playoff loss to St. Paul’s Episcopal. The Trojans were one of the more aggressive teams in the state on the bases, stealing 123 bags as a team, and return a veteran-heavy roster with extensive varsity experience. With much of the lineup and pitching staff back, Charles Henderson heads into 2026 looking to build on last season’s success and compete consistently in Class 5A Area 3.

The Trojans return a deep senior class that will anchor both the lineup and pitching staff. OF/LHP Clay Johnson (Bevill State CC, 2026) returns as a key arm on the mound and a contributor in the field, while 3B/RHP Chase Vaznaian (2026) provides experience at a corner infield spot and in the pitching mix. OF/RHP Cooper Johnson (2026) and RHP/OF Wes Templin (2026) both return after everyday roles a season ago, contributing on both sides of the ball. RHP/1B Trenton Bryan (2026) adds another experienced option at first base and on the mound, while OF/RHP Will Watkins (2026) rounds out a senior group that logged meaningful innings and at-bats in 2025. The junior class also plays a significant role in the 2026 outlook. C/RHP Kellen Stewart (2027) returns behind the plate while also factoring into the pitching staff, and SS/RHP Owen Pugh (2027) provides stability up the middle while contributing as a two-way option. RHP/1B Dylan Westberg (2028) returns as an underclass arm who will continue to factor into the rotation, while OF Jam Burney (2028) brings additional depth in the outfield. Younger contributors add further depth to the roster. C Easton Faircloth (2028) returns as another catching option, while OF Briece Baker (2029) provides additional outfield depth as the season progresses. With multiple players capable of filling different roles, Charles Henderson has flexibility as it navigates lineup combinations and pitching usage.

Chemistry, experience, pitching depth, and speed shape the identity of the Trojans entering 2026. With a tight-knit group that has played together extensively, Charles Henderson expects to remain competitive throughout the season. As head coach Chase Smartt noted, “We have a tight-knit group that believes in each other and plays the game the right way. Our goal is to continue building on our culture and compete with toughness and discipline each time we take the field.” With returning experience across the roster, the Trojans enter the 2026 season aiming to take another step forward in Class 5A.

Find more information on other 2026 Team Previews:

+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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