Most quarterbacks grow up playing the position. Grayson County's Max Rodgers, on the other hand, is relatively new as the man under center.
In the summer before his sophomore season, the Grayson County coaches came to Max Rodgers with a simple, yet incredibly difficult task -- learn to play quarterback by the fall.
"It's a really fun ride because you're learning all this new stuff, you're learning on the fly,” Rodgers said. “And you got to put that in for a season that's coming up months away. It's nerve-wracking but it's a journey."
Now a junior, Rodgers showed just how far he has come in a year-and-a-half. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound QB led a 44-31 win over defending state champ Gretna. He had 288 yards and three touchdowns, plus another score on the ground.
"A lot of poise, he's pretty cool, doesn't get too shook up,” Grayson County head coach Brett McPherson said. “He's an all-around athlete so the big game and the big time play is not foreign to him."
Rodgers said, "Last year I was playing not to make mistakes. I didn't know much about our offensive plan. This year I'm playing to win."
One of those TDs went to his older brother Mikey, a senior receiver for the Blue Devils.
"He tells me every now and again that he's open. Start looking over to his side,” Max Rodgers said.
Mikey Rodgers said, "Our relationship, and also the other athletes that we have, it's made the transition from a new starter to a seasoned vet of sorts it you will now. It's a testament to his leadership and I'm really proud of him."
The Rodgers come from an athletic family. Their dad coached girls basketball at nearby Oak Hill Academy. And an older sister plays hoops for Princeton.
"I just wish there were four or five more boys coming through. But we've been fortunate to have these two," McPherson said.
For his part, Rodgers is a three-sport standout for Grayson, starring on the basketball and baseball teams as well.
"You're anxious to play all three. And every sport, I think, helps with every other sport,” Max Rodgers said.
But with the playoffs in full swing, and this the final season playing alongside his brother, there's no question which is his current favorite.
"I'm going to say I like this one since it's football season," Max Rodgers said.
