CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Damarius Ballard’s first high school football game at quarterback was just like old times, thanks to his best friend.
Ballard and slot receiver Jarrius Rogers were the co-stars in Thursday night’s home rout of McMinn County as the junior playmakers led undefeated Bradley Central to an impressive 42-24 victory.
Ballard threw for 243 yards and totaled four touchdowns, and his connection with the fleet-footed Rogers was impeccable as his go-to target finished with 185 receiving yards, including touchdown catches of 73 and 45 yards.
“Last year Damarius and I didn’t come out to play football for Bradley until about midseason,” said Rogers, who also had a 68-yard punt return to set up another score. “We always played in middle school, so the connection was still there.
“Damarius is like a brother to me. I am always with him and driving him home. He had like two days to practice at quarterback for this game, too. I would’ve forgiven him if he had thrown picks, but he had a great game.”