O-Line helps Rogers sparkle

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Brookhaven Academy quarterback Chandler Rogers has shown steadyimprovement this season and the Cougars have steadily climbed to aperfect 6-0 record. Rogers has a strong arm and that was evident inlast Friday’s big 37-14 win over Simpson County Academy. He has asolid offensive line providing protection, too.

Against Simpson County, Rogers completed 19 of 28 passes for 277yards and 2 touchdowns as BA handed Simpson its first setback ofthe season. He also scrambled for 65 yards on 14 carries. Thatperformance has earned him The DAILY LEADER’s Offensive Player ofthe Week honors.

“Our offensive line has definitely improved,” said Rogers. “Theyhave settled down and are really working together.”

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

BA’s O-Line includes center Hunter Franklin, left guard ClintStewart, left tackle Alan Michael Allred, right guard Will Gatlinand right tackle Cameron Barry.

“Chandler has had three great games in a row,” said Davis. “Notonly does he run our offense, he makes great throws and runs thefootball.

“He’s very intelligent and talented, too. We put a lot on hisshoulders, as far as making decisions,” Davis added.

“Chandler has a lot of freedom to decide where to throw theball. Even in the running game, he reads a lot of stuff with therun.”

Rogers (6-3, 178, jr.) has completed 66 percent of his passesand thrown 23 touchdowns in 6 games. He has amassed 1,290 passingyards.

Coach Davis said BA’s young offensive line has made tremendousstrides since the Parklane Jamboree was held Aug. 14. “Our O-Lineis probably the most improved group on our team. We’ve come from anF (grade) to a B. We still have room for improvement.”

Kenny Williams coaches BA’s offensive line.

Rogers said his offensive line and his receivers make him lookgood. “Our receivers give me confidence. If I throw it in theirdirection, they will come down with it.”

Asked about his receivers in the Simpson game, Rogers said,”They really stepped up and made some big catches that opened upthe game for us.”

Senior wide receiver Tripp Jolly caught TD passes of 15 and 50yards against Simpson. Donovan Lorraine had 6 catches for 125yards.

Franklin, a sophomore center, said hard work and blockingtechnique are two of the keys to the O-Line’s success.

Stewart, a senior guard, said the group is taking care ofbusiness. “It’s our job to block and protect the quarterback.”

Barry, a junior tackle, said the Cougars concentrate onprotecting Rogers and opening holes for the running backs. “We areresponsible for keeping them from getting hurt.”

Allred, a junior tackle, agreed. “If we don’t do our job right,it makes it harder for us in practice.”

Gatlin, a senior guard, must endure a series of stretchingexercises and keep ice packs on his lower back before and afterpractice to cope with a lingering ailment. Obviously, he loves thegame.

Rogers is an all-around athlete. In the weight training room, hebench presses 235 pounds and squats with 325. He runs a 4.7 in the40-yard dash.

His favorite college football team is Florida. He likesfollowing the New Orleans Saints and quarterback Drew Brees onSundays.

FAVORITES

Birthday: Oct. 22, 1992

Food: Pasta

Dessert: Chocolate cake

TV Show: ESPN SportsCenter

Movie: Benchwarmers

Subject: History

Music: Rock

College: Florida

NFL Team: New Orleans

NFL Player: Drew Brees