The DAILY LEADER’s 2009 All-Lincoln County Most Valuable Playershows no signs of slowing down. Brookhaven Academy quarterbackChandler Rogers is off to a fast start as he and his teammatesattempt to defend their MAIS Class AA state championship.

Rogers (6-3, 194) passed for 260 yards and two touchdowns,completing 16 of 20 passes in his team’s 53-26 victory overarchrival Copiah Academy. He also rushed eight times for 82 yardsand two TDs, earning him The DAILY LEADER’s Offensive Player of theWeek honors.

“Chandler had a pretty good game for us,” said BA head coachHerbert Davis. “He had over 300-something yards (totaloffense).”

Davis said Rogers worked hard in the offseason to improve hisskills. “Chandler is more explosive running the ball. He’s strongerand a better athlete, too.”

Roger runs a 4.6 in the 40. He has a 9-4 leap in the broad jump andhis vertical leap is 36 inches.

“When he decides to tuck (run) it, he’s pretty successful,” Davisnoted. “He can scramble and throw it.”

Rogers hit his first 13 passes against Copiah before missing in thethird quarter. Wide receivers Bubba Keene, Sidney Chaffin, WillLucas and running back Jennings Mills are his primary receivers.Keene caught two touchdown passes and returned a kickoff foranother score.

Rogers was watching film Sunday afternoon at the field house as theCougars prepared for a home game against Riverfield Academy ofRayville, La.

Asked about the Copiah contest, Rogers said, “We came into the gamewith it being a big rivalry. Everybody was real excited. We kind ofoverplayed early in the game. Once we settled down we got into thegroove of things and it went better for us. “

Rogers said his receivers have improved their routes andpass-catching skills since last year’s perfect 15-0 campaign. “Weknew they would be a big factor in our season. All summer theyworked on perfecting their routes and catching the ball.

“I can’t say enough good things about our offensive line,” saidRogers. “They are the hardest working group on the team. I’ve onlybeen sacked once in two games.”

BA’s offensive line includes Hunter Franklin at center, AlanMichael Allred at left tackle, Cameron Barry at left guard, KenBritt at right guard and Caleb Dunaway at right tackle.

Rogers said BA’s defense is improving every game. “Each week ourdefense is getting better. We have adjusted really well. We have alot of work to do on both sides of the ball.”

Rogers is constantly queried about his future plans to play collegefootball. He spent a whirlwind summer attending numerous camps onuniversity campuses. He wants to major in psychology.

Asked about his football future, Roger said, “Recruiting is goinggood. It’s kind of frustrating at times. Right now, my focus is onour team and winning a state championship. Through our team’seffort the college recruiting will kind of take care ofitself.”

He said he would like to play for Ole Miss or Southern Miss. Hisfavorite NFL player is New Orleans Saints quarterback DrewBrees.