Homecoming of sorts as Corky returns to the Backyard

For nearly 20 years, the names Corky Rogers and Wayne Berger were synonymous names along the sidelines at Lee.

On Friday night, the two will make their first trip back to the Backyard since Oct. 17, 2003 when Bolles travels to Lee at 7 p.m. in the annual Kickoff Classic.

“I love the people there,” Rogers said. “A lot has changed since I’ve been there but I’m sure some of the sons of players I coached back then might be playing Friday.”

Rogers graduated from Lee in 1961 after leading the Generals to the 1960 mythical state football title and the 1961 state baseball title.

Eleven years later, Rogers returned to Lee to take over the head coaching position in 1972 and his quarterback that year was none other than Belger.

Five years later Belger joined Roger’s staff and the two have been together ever since.

While at Lee (1972-1988), Rogers accumulated a 141-39-1 record guiding the Generals to 10 straight playoff seasons.

The results were immediately felt at Lee as Rogers went 5-5 in his inaugural season at Lee before going 8-2-1 in 1974 concluding with a 10-6 win over Bishop Kenny in the Meninak Bowl and 9-1 in 1975 which followed with another trip to the Meninak Bowl.

In 1977, Rogers led Lee to its first trip to the playoffs since a state runner-up finish in 1964.

Rogers guided the Generals to a school record 10 straight playoff appearances, yet couldn’t get past the third round of the playoffs. Something to this day that still bothers him.

“I do still sometimes think about that,” Rogers said. “In my heart, I know we had the talent to do it, it still bothers me.”

Part of the reason Rogers admitted his teams were not able to make it to state is because they were relegated to playing so many conference games instead of traveling out of the area to play better teams.

“We were in the Gateway Conference back then and that prevented us from playing outside the Jacksonville area,” Rogers stated. “While we were able to accomplish a lot of things, you have to travel outside the area.”

Rogers admitted he still keeps an eye on his old team and follows them when he can.

“I’m happy for them, they got a big win I guess Saturday night (Trinity Christian),” Rogers said. “I always check on them when I’m reading the paper, I always look to see how they are doing and check the scores.”

If not for all ill-fated event, Rogers might still be on the Lee sideline to date. In March of 1988, he was hit by a drunk driver and was hospitalized and forced to go through 18 different surgeries.

It was during that time, Bolles athletic director Frank Callihan paid him a visit at the hospital and offered him the Bolles head coaching job. After thinking about it, Rogers accepted the job and took over the program in the fall of 1989 and as the rest they say is history.

Twenty five years later, Rogers has accumulated a 313-45 record at Bolles including a state record 10 state titles and 5 state runner-up finishes.

Yet despite the close proximity, this will be just the second time he has gone back to Lee.

The last time was a good memory for him as Bolles handled Lee 24-8 on their way to a state runner-up finish.

“My dad played there, I played there and Coach Belger played there and played for me,” Rogers said. “We are Westside people our roots are there.”

At 72 years old, this could very well also be the last time Rogers roams the sideline at the Backyard. As Rogers has been battling health problems throughout this career and was recently hospitalized in June for an undisclosed condition.

However Lee coach OJ Small made sure it happened at least one more time by reaching out to Rogers one day.

“We’ve had a hard time finding games as we had three teams drop us off the schedule and we appreciate OJ (Small) calling us and asking us to play.” Rogers added. “This will help out both teams immensely.”

At Lee (141-39-1)

1972 (5-5) First season under Corky Rogers

1973 (N/A) No playoffs

1974 (8-2-1) Won Meninak Bowl over BK 10-6

1975 (9-1) Won Meninak Bowl

1976 (N/A) No playoffs

1977 (N/A) Lost 2nd round to Choctaw 27-12

1978 (9-2) Lost 1st round to Wolfson 28-20

1979 (N/A) Lost 2nd round to Milton 41-7

1980 (N/A) Lost 3rd round to Gainesville 21-15

1981 (N/A) Lost 1st round to Palatka 14-7

1982 (6-5) Lost 2nd round to Palatka 14-10