Mississippi State's Will Rogers joins dad in coaching box as Brandon takes on Starkville

Stefan Krajisnik, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·2 min read

HATTIESBURG — In a sea of red, a white poster arose from the Brandon High School student section on the east side of M.M. Roberts Stadium.

"How come the best quarterback in Starkville is from Brandon," it read.

Mississippi State football quarterback Will Rogers found himself in the middle of the MHSAA Class 6A championship match on Saturday.

On one side: Rogers' hometown Brandon High School. Will's brother Luke Rogers, a Southern Miss commit, is an offensive lineman for the Bulldogs. His father, Wyatt Rogers, is the offensive coordinator.

On the opposing side: Starkville High School of Will's college town.

There was little to debate for Will, though. He is pulling for his family alma mater so much so that he joined his dad in their press-level coaching box.

"It's pretty nice our schedule complements this game well," Will said.

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Last week was a whirlwind for the Rogers family. It started on Thanksgiving night when Will led Mississippi State to its first Egg Bowl win since 2019. The following day, Luke and Wyatt led Brandon past Ocean Springs to advance to the state championship.

"It was probably one of the best 24 hours of our lives," Will said.

Mississippi State football quarterback Will Rogers and his father Wyatt Rogers prior to the MHSAA Class 6A title game on Dec. 3, 2022. Wyatt Rogers is Brandon's offensive coordinator.
Mississippi State football quarterback Will Rogers and his father Wyatt Rogers prior to the MHSAA Class 6A title game on Dec. 3, 2022. Wyatt Rogers is Brandon's offensive coordinator.

Rogers has served as Mike Leach's eyes on the field for the last three seasons leading the Air Raid offense. Saturday, he saw the game from Leach's perspective.

It's an experience Will says he's comfortable with after growing up as the son of a coach. He pulled on his experience of being in the box when Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew was under center at Brandon.

"I know how it goes," Will said. "It's fun to be up there and hear the Xs and Os."

Brandon is seeking its first state championship after losing in the title game last season. In Will's four years at Brandon (2016-2020), the team never advanced past the third round.

"I'd give a lot up of what I have right now to even play in this game once," Will said.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State's Will Rogers joins dad in coaching Brandon vs. Starkville