Rogers resigns as Sauras' Football Coach

WALNUT-COVE — South Stokes’ Justin Rogers has resigned after one season as the head football coach for the Sauras. Rogers, a 2013 graduate, returned three years ago and served under David Diamont for two seasons.

“The opportunity to return to my alma mater and to serve the kids that are in the same shoes that I was once in has been such a blessing and a true honor,” noted Rogers. “I’ve learned that being a head coach is a lot more management and less actual coaching. I’ve missed the one-on-one coaching and building personal relationships with the kids.”

Rogers cited one of the biggest reasons of stepping back was the fact that he and his wife Carson, of almost four years, are expecting their first child in the fall of the year and he wanted to be more present for her and the baby.

The Sauras finished 2-9 last season and fifth place with a 2-4 record in the Northwest 1A Conference. The team made the playoffs for a third consecutive season including Rogers’ first season on staff when they went 6-5 overall, 4-2 in league play, and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs.

“Coach Rogers did a good job in his time as the Head Football Coach at South Stokes High School,” said principal Chris Bottoms. “He has worked to developed our players and prepare them for future success.”

Rogers graduated from Limestone University in 2017 with a physical education degree where he was a four-year starter on the school’s football team. He plans to use his degree when he moves to the physical education department at Chestnut Grove Middle School in the fall.

With Rogers working next to West Stokes, he has expressed interest in coaching under new head football coach Trent Lowman.

“I feel that I could bring another defensive mindset to an already experienced staff,” added Rogers. “I’m excited with the possibility of working with these men who have been around the game and can share a lot of wisdom and knowledge.”

West Stokes’ principal Dr. Sam Jones noted that with a coach like Rogers being available, it would be hard not to entertain the thought about him coming to the Wildcat family.

“When we can bring in a head coach who is also a quality person, it is huge for our students,” said Jones. “His choice to join an experienced staff that is full of experienced coaches and head coaches speaks volumes to the quality coach and leader that Coach Lowman is.

“It is an exciting time to be a Wildcat and we have some of the best people wanting to be a part of it. Throughout the interview process, Coach Lowman shared his vision of having the best staff for our players. As the principal, it is my job to support him and work with him as he builds his staff. We are excited about our coaches already on staff and those that will be announced in the coming days.”