is it legal for the center to snap the ball on the ground and have the guard pick it up and run with it? does the snap have to hit the qb's hand? this is similar to the old fumble rooskie play. this is a question on the high school level.

Not in Texas or Mass. HS's (They use NCAA rules).

It's legal under NFHS rules but the ball must leave the snapper's hands immediately and touch either the ground or the QB's hands. Also, the referee must be informed prior to the play.