Silverdale Baptist Academy quarterback Brett Rogers believed all week that his team would be ready for a major showdown when Chattanooga Christian School visited on Friday night.
While Rogers and the rest of the Seahawks kept hearing about the Chargers' speed, Mike Connor's program was sparked by the unbelievable athletic ability of their quarterback along with big plays from his teammates as Silverdale landed a breakthrough 45-31 victory on Friday night. It was the program's first win over CCS since 2013, and it was the Division II-AA East Region opener for both teams.
Rogers set a school record by totaling 539 yards of offense and five touchdowns as he made a difference running, throwing and catching the ball for the Seahawks (3-0).
"We saw where everyone was picking CCS, but we believed all along we could win this game," said Rogers, who was an all-state baseball standout with a .626 batting average and 28 stolen bases this past spring. "None of us had any doubt. Belief drives behavior, and tonight we came out and played connected and together to the end."
With 6:50 left in the fourth quarter and a one-score lead, a trick play ran to perfection helped push Silverdale over the top.
(READ MORE: Final scores and photos from Friday night's Chattanooga-area high school football games)
Already carving up the CCS defense with his arm and legs, Rogers threw a backwards pass to Turner Junkins on the right sideline, and Junkins then threw a lead pass to the far left sideline, where Rogers followed five blockers to the end zone as he outraced a defender for a 76-yard touchdown to make it 39-25 in the Seahawks' favor.
"We just put that play in this week," Rogers said. "We needed momentum quick. Coach called it, and Turner and everyone ran it to perfection. This win was a complete team effort. The O-line did their job, Connor (Delashmitt) is a star, and everyone on this team made big plays."
The wide receiver tandem of Cameron Bowen and Cameron Mullins made big catches all night, and Bryson Qualls also made his presence felt in the passing game for the Seahawks. Bowen had receiving scores of 72 and 28 yards.
Rogers showcased impeccable timing with his receivers as he threw for 279 yards. He also flashed past the defense late for a 69-yard run and finished with 184 yards on the ground.
CCS sophomore Boo Carter provided a huge performance in the loss as he carried the ball 19 times for 277 yards, which included a 92-yard touchdown run up the middle in the first half. He also had a 54-yard touchdown catch late in the game for the Chargers (1-2).
Silverdale's Cameron Mullins raised his arms, overcome with joy, after the final whistle. He and Clay Connor had key interceptions in the victory.
"These guys have been working their tails off and made sure to know what connection is about. They were connected and committed and didn't quit at all," Seahawks coach Mike Connor said. "We have some really talented kids who go out there and can compete with folks. We have been looking for a breakthrough, and this certainly feels like it. We couldn't be more proud of them."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.