Brand, Stratford edge Oak Ridge

Stratford quarterback Nash Rankin got the ball to receiver Jake Brand early and often, and it paid huge dividends in a 31-28 nondistrict victory over Oak Ridge at Tully Stadium.

Brand finished with 11 catches for 177 yards and three touchdowns, including a 60-yarder that put the Spartans (2-0) ahead for good with just under eight minutes remaining.

“You’re talking about a kid who has worked so hard to be at this point in time,” Stratford coach Todd Rankin said. “He played with so much heart and made big plays when we needed it.”