Football Season Recap: Cooper High School Takes Home the Runner-Up Title
Lexington, Ky. — The excitement was palpable this Saturday evening as the Cooper High School football team wrapped up their incredible journey in the Class 5A state finals at Kroger Field. Though the season ended in disappointment with a 37-20 defeat against Bowling Green, the team should hold their heads high for a remarkable effort throughout the year.
A Stellar Season
Cooper concluded the season with a formidable 13-1 record, commendable for any team aiming for state glory. This season marks the second consecutive year that Bowling Green has taken the title from Cooper in the Class 5A championship, adding weight to the rivalry between these talented squads.
Despite the loss, junior quarterback Cam O’Hara showcased his skills on the field, completing 18 of 27 passes for an impressive 262 yards and throwing three touchdown passes. This performance might just be the start of something amazing for Cooper next season. Fellow senior, Jaiden Combs, lit up the scoreboard with seven receptions totaling 72 yards and one touchdown, while fellow senior wide receiver Isaiah Johnson made five receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown of his own. Together, their teamwork shone brightly!
Defensive Highlights
The Jaguars weren’t just about offense; they had a solid defensive stand to boot. Junior linebacker Max Wethington was a tackling machine, recording a whopping 13 tackles (eight solo). Not far behind him were senior defensive end Mike Mullvihill and junior linebacker Dax Bolen, each making 10 tackles during the fierce competition. It’s truly inspiring to see such dedicated athletes on the field.
Not to forget, junior wide receiver/safety Ryker Campbell made significant contributions as well, registering three receptions for 72 yards, along with three kick returns accumulating 57 yards, and even snagging an interception! Senior tight end Austin Alexander also made his mark with three catches for 29 yards and a sack on defense. It’s clear that both the offense and defense played their hearts out.
Path to the Championship
The journey to the finals saw the Jaguars outscore their opponents in a jaw-dropping manner, leading to a total score of 644 to 215 entering the final game. Cooper’s season was highlighted by notable victories against Ryle, Highlands—in fact, they achieved this feat twice—and Great Crossing as they marched through to their second straight state final appearance.
Other Championship Games
On a related note, Cooper wasn’t the only high school football team in attendance for the state championship weekend. Earlier the same evening, Ryle finished their season as the Class 6A state runner-up while Beechwood triumphed over Owensboro Catholic in the Class 2A finals with a score of 50-34. This victory marked Beechwood’s 18th football state championship and was another proud moment for the Greater Cincinnati area.
Looking Forward
As the dust settles on this year’s football season, there are plenty of reasons for Cooper High School players and fans to celebrate their achievements. With many talented players returning and the support of a passionate community, next season looks promising. What a journey it has been for Cooper and all of our local teams!
