Lakeside alum basking in second CFL Grey Cup title

Former Lakeside High School standout Brian Bratton got an early Christmas present last Sunday, as he and his Montreal Alouette teammates captured their second consecutive Grey Cup title in the Canadian Football League.

//

Bratton, who signed with Montreal in 2007, has enjoyed a terrific career north of the border. He broke in to the CFL as a return specialist and reserve receiver, but has since established himself as a dependable target for star Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo.

While Montreal was not as dominant this season as they were in 2009, the results were the same: a CFL title. The Alouettes knocked off Saskatchewan 21-18 in front of more than 63,000 fans in frigid temperatures in last weekend's Grey Cup (Canada's Super Bowl).

Bratton caught a pair of passes for 15 yards in the game, but for the season he put together another solid campaign. In 2010, Bratton hauled in 48 passes for 530 yards and five touchdowns. That gives the former Panther star and Furman All-American three consecutive seasons with at least 48 catches and more than 500 yards receiving.

For his career in Canada, Bratton now has 180 catches for 1,983 yards and 14 touchdowns. Needless to say, the kid who had a hard time finding a position during his prep days has found a position, and a home, in Montreal.

ACS represented in Charlotte

Augusta Christian football standouts Christian Croft and Matt Rogers were each selected to play in the Oasis Shrine Classic in Charlotte, N.C. The game features the top private school performers in South Carolina vs. the best North Carolina has to offer.

Despite North Carolina's 31-24 victory over South Carolina, the duo represented Columbia County well. Rogers had four receptions for 108 yards, and also had one carry for 8 yards.

For the season, Rogers caught more than 32 passes for just more than 600 yards for the Lions. Croft, who happens to be Rogers' cousin, had an interception for the Palmetto State squad. This season for the Lions, Croft rushed for more than 500 yards and ran for seven touchdowns.

One fan who caught the action in Charlotte was former Columbia County Player of the Year Steven Rogers. He was there to root on his younger brother, Matt. Following a stellar prep career in Columbia County, the elder Rogers played four seasons at East Carolina University.