St. Anne’s-Belfield coach John Blake was emphatic coming into the year that the Saints wouldn’t miss a beat in the run game despite losing their top two backs — Aaron Clark and Willie McGhee — who’d carried the load the last two seasons.
Clearly, he just knew exactly what he had in the fold.
Branford Rogers made quite the statement Friday afternoon in STAB’s season opener as the Saints rolled 27-7 over Bishop Sullivan Catholic in Virginia Beach.
Rogers, who moved back a couple of steps from fullback this year after clearing the way for Clark and McGhee, romped and rolled to 219 yards on the ground and 85 yards receiving, totaling 304 yards from scrimmage. He picked up a touchdown too during his big day on offense.
Charlie Murray also got the starting nod at quarterback and the big signal-caller scored once on the ground and tossed for another score.
St. Anne’s will hit the road again next week to face Virginia Episcopal on Saturday before finally getting their home opener in September 16 against St. Stephens & St. Agnes.
