2022 Snapshot: Cooper

The nucleus is in place for Cooper to have an outstanding year. The Jaguars are going to be a handful to deal with on Friday nights. Don’t be shocked if this team pulls off some eye-opening victories.

Defense wins championships. Cooper returns seven starters from a squad that allowed just 12.1 points per game a year ago. The Jaguars held eight of their 11 opponents to 14 points or less including three shutouts. Expect the defense to carry this team early on and in close battles.

The offense has some question marks. Cooper must replace four offensive lineman and its quarterback. The sooner the offense catches up to being equally as good as the defense, the better this season will be for the Jaguars.

Class 5A, District 5
2021 RECORD: 7-4, 2-2 Class 5A, District 5
COACH: Randy Borchers (78-82 at Cooper, 14 years, 86-94 overall, 16 years)

HONOR ROLL
Austin Alexander, So, TE/DL – Friday night lights weren’t too bright for Alexander as a freshman. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound youngster recorded 61 total tackles and five-and-a-half sacks on his way to First Team All-NKY (DL) honors. A tremendously gifted athlete, Alexander also had 12 receptions for 156 yards and a touchdown. He is well on his way to being the top college prospect in school history.

Jack Lonaker, Jr, TE/LB – The leader of the Cooper defense and a tackling machine. Lonaker registered 142 total tackles, had a sack, forced two fumbles and snared an interception as a sophomore. That effort earned him Second Team All-NKY accolades.

OTHER RETURNEES
Jake Harmeyer, Sr, FB/LB – A invaluable asset on both sides of the ball. Harmeyer tallied 98 total tackles and recovered four fumbles as a junior. On offense, he had 10 receptions for 96 yards.

Eli White, Sr, WR/DB – Was well on his way to a breakout campaign on offense when an injury ended his season in Week 7 last fall. White ran for 603 yards and 10 touchdowns before being shut down. He was named Second Team All-NKY (DB) as a sophomore.

Jayce Hotchkiss, Sr, WR/DB – Led the Jaguars with two interceptions and had 26 total tackles. He is a main cog in a very good secondary.

Tyler Witsken, Sr, OL – A three-year starter and the only returning starter on the o-line. Witsken will be called upon to be the leader up front.

Lucas Hughes, Jr, LB – A solid varsity debut saw Hughes register 63 total tackles, recover a fumble and snag an interception in 2021.

Cole Henry, Jr, DB – Only played in four games but recorded 27 total tackles as a sophomore. Henry will also be in the mix to be the Jaguars starting quarterback in 2020.

Nathan Gamble, Sr, WR – Could become the top option for Cooper at receiver. Gamble had 13 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown as a junior.

NEWCOMERS
Adding depth in the trenches for the Jaguars will be senior OL Ben Ryan, juniors Jesse Sierman and OL/DL Mason Baesel along with sophomore OL/DL Drayden Pavey. Junior RB/DL Cole Moody and sophomore RB/DB Mason Stanton will also vie for snaps. Sophomore QB Isaiah Johnson will get an opportunity to win the job under center.

2021 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – GEORGE ROGERS CLARK (3-9 in 2021) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – at Dixie Heights (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Ryle (9-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – at Campbell County (1-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – BYE
Fri – 09/23/22 – COVINGTON CATHOLIC (9-4) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – MADISON (IN) (3-7) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – CONNER (7-5) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – at Boone County (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/21/22 – at Highlands (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/28/22 – LOUISVILLE BUTLER (1-10) – 7:30 PM

BOONE COUNTY RIVALS
This will be the 15^th season of football at Cooper football. The Jaguars have played 150 games (all under coach Borchers) of which 44 have been played against the other three Boone County schools. Cooper is a combined 19-25 against their local rivals – Boone County (10-4), Conner (6-10) and Ryle (3-11).

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