Record-breaking quarterback Chandler Rogers etched his name onthe walls of Mississippi high school football history this seasonbut the Brookhaven Academy senior couldn’t mask his disappointment.Rogers and his Cougar teammates were aiming for a successful titledefense of their MAIS Class AA state championship but they felljust short of that goal.

Along the way, Rogers set new standards for rushing and passing atBrookhaven Academy. His career touchdown total fell just short ofSt. Stanislaus quarterback Dylan Favre.

For his accomplishments, Rogers has been chosen The DAILY LEADER’sAll-Lincoln County Most Valuable Player and Mr. Football for asecond straight year. As a passer, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound seniorcompleted 167 of 279 passes for 3,002 yards and 31 touchdowns. Hethrew 12 interceptions.

On the ground, Rogers used his athletic agility, rushing for 824yards and 17 touchdowns.

“Chandler worked hard in the offseason,” said Brookhaven Academycoach Herbert Davis. “He’s more explosive running the ball. He’sstronger and more athletic, too.”

Rogers became more of a student of the game He usually sat in withthe coaches on Sunday afternoons to watch game film and prepare forthe upcoming opponent. He runs a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and has a36-inch vertical leap.

“This year was a little bit of a disappointment,” said Rogers. “Wewanted to repeat as state champions.”

The Cougars lost to eventual state champion River Oaks in the SouthState title game.

Asked about his quarterback skills, Rogers said, “I improved apretty good bit but I still have a lot of work to do. I need morebody strength and more work on my mechanics.”

Rogers ends his career at Brookhaven Academy setting records injust about every possible category. Rogers passed for an even 8,800yards in three seasons after totaling 3,002 yards in his seniorcampaign. On the ground, Rogers added 2,125 yards over threeseasons, giving him 10,925 total offense yards, eclipsing formerstandout BA quarterback Price Sessums who totaled 9,189 total yardsin his career.

Rogers also accounted for an MAIS career record 131 touchdowns inthose three seasons

He wants to play college football and hasn’t settled on aparticular college. “I’m wide open.”

Brookhaven quarterback Duwone Harris was a catalyst in thePanthers’ remarkable march through the playoffs. That performanceearned him the DL’s Offensive Player of the Year honors as thePanthers (9-5) finished runners-up to West Point in the Class 5Astate championship.

Also in the offensive backfield are Travorius Showers ofBrookhaven, Colton McClendon of Bogue Chitto and Deon Moore of WestLincoln.

The wide receivers are Bubba Keene and Jennings Mills of BrookhavenAcademy and Trent Powell and Ross Hill of Brookhaven. The tightends are Nick Peavey of Brookhaven and Sidney Chaffin of BrookhavenAcademy.

The offensive line includes Mitch Case, Temeas Hooker, Sam Ballardand Stone Underwood of Brookhaven, Shane Lewis of Bogue Chitto andKen Britt of Brookhaven Academy.

Tyler Trout of Brookhaven Academy is the dream team’s kicker.Marquis Hayes of Loyd Star and Garrett Greer of Enterprise are theall-purpose players. Devonte Stewart of Brookhaven is the returnspecialist.

On the season, Harris rushed for 1,230 yards and 9 touchdowns. Hecompleted 65 of 151passes for 1,206 yards and 8 TDs. He wasintercepted twice.

Ole Brook head coach Tucker Peavey praised Harris for his progressas a player and student. “Duwone came a long way. He went fromsomebody who didn’t want to be a quarterback to becoming a verygood one.”

Harris was a promising wide receiver as a sophomore. Peavey movedhim to quarterback that spring and the difficult growing processbegan.

Peavey recalled a conversation with Harris, “I told Duwone, ‘If youare going to play out here, you are going to playquarterback.'”

Harris came back with a renewed spirit of dedication when he wasinjured in the Clinton game Sept. 4. He missed the next twogames.

“Duwone is probably the most valid example of just keep onswinging,” said Peavey. “You start with a sledge hammer and youhave to keep driving that nail.”

Harris (6-0, 200) was instrumental in his team’s playoff successafter a 2-3 start this season. The Panthers were the No. 4 seeds inRegion 3-5A when they entered the playoffs.

“I felt comfortable playing quarterback,” said Harris. “You can seethe field and really take control of a game.”

Harris complimented his supporting cast. “My offensive line playedgreat. They got very good toward the last of the season.”

Travorius Showers (5-10, 183, jr.) rushed for 1,028 yards and 14touchdowns this season.

Deon Moore (5-9, 185, so.) was a bright spot in West Lincoln’swinless season, rushing for 1,118 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Colton McClendon (5-10, 170, jr.) was a workhorse for Bogue Chitto.He rushed for 688 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also caught 5 passesfor 86 yards.

Bubba Keene (6-3, 188, jr.) was an exceptional receiver for theCougars, catching 69 passes for 1,216 yards and 15touchdowns.

Trent Powell (6-1, 190, sr.) caught 24 passes for 477 yards and 3TDs for the Panthers.

Jennings Mills (5-10, 170, sr.) caught 38 passes for 649 yards and7 touchdowns for the Cougars.

Ross Hill (6-1, 175, jr.) caught 14 passes for 435 yards and 6 TDsfor BHS.

Sidney Chaffin (6-4, 195, sr.) was a big target for the Cougars,catching 32 passes for 749 yards and 8 TDs.

Nick Peavey (6-1, 285, sr.) was used primarily as blocking end andback. He caught 2 TD passes.

Marquis Hayes (5-9, 165, sr.) rushed for 726 yards and playeddefense for the Hornets.

Garrett Greer (5-11, 185, sr.) was used as a rusher and receiver atEnterprise. He rushed for 468 yards and 5 TDs. He caught 6 passesfor 64 yards. He also started on defense.

Tyler Trout (5-11, 165, sr.) was a record-setting kicker for theCougars. He was a perfect 62-for-62 on extra point kicks and made 8field goals, including a 38-yarder.

Devonte Stewart (5-11, 166, sr.) made several big returns onkickoffs for the Panthers.