Murray, Kerr lead Rogers past Lauderdale County

ROGERSVILLE - After postponing their game by a day and kicking off an hour earlier and hoping for better weather, Rogers and Lauderdale County instead played in a deluge for much of the first three quarters.

When it was over, playoff-bound Rogers had slogged its way to a 28-15 victory over Lauderdale County.

Lauderdale County (4-6) jumped out to an early lead, but a 16-point second quarter sparked Rogers (6-4) to the win.

Ryan Murray rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, while Austin Kerr added 85 yards and two scores on 17 carries for the Pirates, who play at Guntersville in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Joseph Patterson finished with 102 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries for Lauderdale County, whose first season under coach Bob Grisham came to an end. Patterson also threw a touchdown pass.

Patterson opened the scoring less than three minutes into the game with a 30-yard run.

Rogers pulled within 7-6 when Murray bolted 30 yards two minutes later.

Lauderdale County went ahead 15-6 late in the first quarter when Patterson passed 36 yards to Logan Cole. Trey Nance ran the 2-point conversion.

Kerr's first touchdown run - from 1 yard out - and 2-point conversion run pulled Rogers within 15-14 in the first minute of the second quarter.

His second TD run - from the 2 - and 2-point conversion run gave the Pirates a 22-15 lead at the half.

The game was still in doubt when Murray broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run with 1:27 to play.

Despite sloppy field conditions, Rogers had 241 yards and Lauderdale County finished with 277 total yards. Rogers turned the ball over once, while Lauderdale County had three turnovers - two fumbles and one interception.