Quarterback Chandler Rogers achieved a milestone Friday night asBrookhaven Academy defeated East Rankin Academy 44-35 atPelahatchie. The senior signal-caller accounted for six touchdownsand surpassed the MAIS state scoring record held by former BA starPrice Sessums.

That performance has earned Rogers The DAILY LEADER’s OffensivePlayer of the Week award for the third time this season.

“Overall, Chandler had one of his most solid performances of theyear,” said BA head coach Herbert Davis. “He made all the reads andscored six touchdowns.”

A versatile athlete, Rogers passed for three touchdowns and ran forthree more. Davis said he recognized his offensivecapabilities.

“Once Chandler gets to running and throwing at the same time forus, we kind of take it to another level. Then we start gettingaround 500 yards or better,” total offense per game.

BA’s offensive line is a valuable asset and Rogers shared theaccolades with them and his other teammates. “Our offensive lineworks harder than we do in practice.”

The work ethic has helped the Cougars cruise to an 8-1 record. Theyrebounded from a 34-28 home loss to unbeaten Natchez Trinity theprevious week and handled East Rankin on the road. Rogers threwtouchdown passes of 19 and 48 yards to wide receiver Bubba Keeneand hooked up with Jennings Mills on a 84-yard catch and run. Healso scored three rushing TDs on runs of 14, 3 and 4 yards.

For the game, Rogers completed 13 of 28 passes for 258 yards. Herushed 18 times for 78 yards.

The touchdown record of 111, set by Sessums in 2005, fell by thewayside. Rogers has 115 TDs, with two regular season gamesremaining.

“I’m fortunate to achieve the record,” said Rogers. “It shows howhard our team has been working.”

Center Hunter Franklin said he enjoys working with Rogers on everysnap. “He’s easy to please.”

Right tackle Caleb Dunaway agreed. “Chandler always picks us up andencourages us if we do something wrong. Our line has gotten a lotbetter this year.”

Left tackle Alan Michael Allred echoed the sentiments of histeammates. “Chandler knows it’s a hard job blocking. He appreciatesus.”

Left guard Cameron Berry said BA’s offseason conditioning andweightlifting program has been a major plus for the offensive line.”We are a lot bigger and stronger than we usually are. We gotfaster in the offseason.”

Right guard Ken Britt said watching Rogers throw a touchdown passor break a long run made him feel good. “I start flapping(celebrating) my arms when Chandler breaks loose. Our offensiveline communicates real well and we know what to do.”

Dunaway said the O-line is a family group. “We go out to eattogether sometimes. We are comical at times but we work hard andhave fun in games.”

Rogers (6-3, 195) celebrates his 18th birthday Oct. 27. He is theson of Jeff and Karen Rogers.

“My receivers and running backs deserve a lot of credit for mysuccess,” said Rogers. “Make sure you give the defense, credit,too.”

The Cougars won the MAIS Class AA state championship last Novemberand finished 15-0. They won 22 straight games before falling toTrinity.

Asked about his team’s chances of repeating as state champions,Rogers said the immediate goal is beating Columbia Academy onSenior Night. “We have two conference games left. If we win both ofthem, we will have the home field advantage in the playoffs.”

Rogers is being recruited by Auburn and Ole Miss in the SEC. Healso has offers from Delta State, Louisiana Tech and MiddleTennessee State, plus Cornell of the Ivy League. He has made anunofficial visit to Ole Miss.

When he’s not pulling for Ole Miss, Rogers said he enjoys watchingthe New Orleans Saints. His favorite NFL player is Saintsquarterback Drew Brees.