Bradley Central beats McMinn County behind star duo of best friends

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Bradley Central’s Jarrius Rogers (11) heads to the end zone for a touchdown catch during Thursday’s home win against McMinn County.
Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Bradley Central’s Jarrius Rogers (11) heads to the end zone for a touchdown catch during Thursday’s home win against McMinn County.

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."


Rogers torched the McMinn County defense in open space, burning them twice on slants over the middle for scores.

Ballard, who ran for a pair of touchdowns, was thrilled to enjoy the big night with Rogers as Class 6A's state-ranked No. 9 Bears improved to 4-0. Ballard also completed a key deep ball to Marcus Goree Jr. for 37 yards on third-and-long in the first half.

"I played quarterback from first through eighth grade, but then I took a year off because I had a shoulder injury," Ballard said. "I came back last year because of Jarius and my dad, who reminded me not to give up. I am excited to be back out there throwing it around. What Jarius did tonight, I expect from him."

Ballard had only three days to prepare for his start, but he credited his big night in part to great advice and confidence his coaches and teammates instilled in him during the short week of practice. The game against Class 5A's Cherokees (2-2) was moved up a day due to the threat of inclement weather Friday.

"My coaches really trusted me, and that meant a lot," Ballard said. "My quarterback coach Brett Standifer really worked with me, and I felt prepared coming into the game. I am excited how our work together paid off."

Bradley Central sophomore running back J'Alan Terry blazed down the right sideline for the game's first score on a 78-yard run. Terry finished the game with 150 total yards and two touchdowns.

The Bears were without several key playmakers entering Thursday, including running back Jackson Wilson and linebacker Gage Anderson, and they lost standout linebacker Rodney Williams to injury during the game.

"That was a physical team we went out there and handled," Bears coach Damon Floyd said. "We have some guys out, and that means whenever your number is called, you have to be ready to step up."

Ballard and Rogers certainly were.

McMinn County senior Cody Thompson rushed for two scores and more than 100 yards. His 41-yard touchdown cut the deficit to 28-17 with four minutes left in the third quarter, but Rogers halted the Cherokees' momentum with a 67-yard catch that showed off his slippery nature and breakaway agility.

Carter 14, Walker Valley 3: Class 4A's visiting Hornets (1-3) scored first, held a 7-3 halftime advantage, then put the game away with a fourth-quarter touchdown for the nonregion upset of Class 5A's Mustangs (2-2).

Coahulla Creek 35, Chattooga 0: The Colts improved to 2-1 with the impressive nonregion home win in a matchup of northwest Georgia programs. Payton Gordon had three rushing touchdowns, with quarterback Kace Kinnamon adding touchdown passes to Tyson King for 59 yards and Nate Tilley for 10. The Coahulla Creek defense had a pair of stops inside the 10-yard line in the first half, the second coming after the Indians (0-3) kept the ball for 10 minutes and 17 plays before a Karim Bradley sack stalled the drive at the 2-yard line.

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.

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