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2023 Snapshot: Cooper

Cooper TE/DE Austin Alexander

Whether they like it or not, Cooper will be the hunted not the hunter over the next couple of years. The Jaguars are coming off back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2015-16. Opponents and rivals on the schedule are already eyeing their shots at taking down this young, talented and experienced bunch. It’s a tough position to be put in considering this team hasn’t really had the opportunity to forge its own identity that comes from winning…..yet.

Head coach Randy Borchers knows that Cooper’s success will be predicated on how well the offensive line performs. The Jaguars have a diverse and accomplished group of players at the skill positions. If the o-line give them enough time to operate, the sky is the limit for this unit.

The defense is going to be tenacious and nasty. First downs are going to be hard to come by against them. All signs point to this group having the hunger to be something special. They will carry Cooper when the going gets tough.

Class 5A, District 6
2022 RECORD: 6-5, 3-1 Class 5A, District 5
COACH: Randy Borchers (84-87 at Cooper, 15 years, 92-99 overall, 17 years)

HONOR ROLL
Austin Alexander, Jr, TE/DL – Arguably the best player in the state of Kentucky in the Class of 2025. Alexander is a punishing playmaker on both sides of the ball. He was named the 2022 TriState Football Kentucky Defensive Player of the Year after tallying 85 total tackles, with 11.0 sacks while returning his only interception for a touchdown as a sophomore. On offense, Alexander caught 34 balls for 522 yards and six touchdowns. Those efforts also earned him First Team All-NKY (for a second straight season) and First Team All-TSF (DL) acclaim. Alexander’s offers include Akron, Charlotte, Duke, Eastern Kentucky, Illinois, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, Maryland, Miami (OH) and North Carolina.

Michael Mulvihill, Jr, RB/LB – The transfer from Blanchester (OH) was equally as decorated if not more so, than now teammate, Alexander, as a sophomore. Mulvihill is a player who just wants it more and will not be denied until he gets it. In 2022, Mulvihill stuffed the stat sheets with 105 total tackles, a sack, eight tackles for losses, two interceptions, 2,569 yards of total offense (1,415, rush, 1,154 pass) and he accounted for 32 touchdowns (20 rush, 12 pass). He was named OPSWA Division V First Team All-Ohio, OPSWA Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year, Third Team All-TSF (LB) and pulled off the incredible feat of earning both the SBAAC National Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Mulvihill heads into his junior campaign with 1,516 yards passing, 2,035 yards rushing, 17 passing touchdowns, 27 rushing touchdowns, 166 total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks, two forced fumbles and four takeaways (three INTs, one FR).

Cooper RB/LB Michael Mulvihill (photo courtesy of Blanchester football)

Isaiah Johnson, Jr, WR/DB – Came into his own as a sophomore, showing elusive moves and sneaky speed. Johnson averaged 20.4 yards on 33 receptions for 673 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to First Team All-NKY (WR) honors in 2022.

Jack Lonaker, Sr, TE/LB – One of the best players in the TriState Football coverage area that doesn’t have a Division I offer. Lonaker recorded 148 total tackles (89 solo), forced three fumbles, had 15 receptions for 138 yards and found the end zone four times (three rush, one rec), as a junior. He earned First Team All-NKY (LB) and NKY Top 26 honors for his efforts. Lonaker has 290 total tackles, a sack, five forced fumbles, one interception, 96 rushing yards, 26 receptions, 278 receiving yards and seven touchdowns (four rush, three rec), in his career.

OTHER RETURNEES
Cameron O’Hara, So, QB – One of the best freshman performers of 2022. O’Hara threw for 2,018 yards with 21 passing touchdowns and one rushing score. His numbers should be even better with the quality receivers that surround him. O’Hara has an offer from Miami (OH).

Mason Stanton, Jr, ATH/DB – A breakout sophomore campaign for this ballhawk. Stanton was in on 62 total tackles, had a scoop-and-score and five takeaways (three Rs, two INTs).

Cooper DB Mason Stanton (photo from Twitter: @MasonStanton33)

Jesse Sierman, Sr, OL/DL – Will be called upon to be anchor and leader on both sides of the line. Sierman recorded 26 total tackles and two sacks as a junior.

Mason Baesel, Sr, OL/DL – Like Sierman, Baesel will be looked upon for his senior wisdom in the trenches. He registered 51 total tackles as a junior.

Lucas Hughes, Sr, RB/LB – Another vital cog in the linebacking unit. Hughes has 114 total tackles and two interceptions at the varsity level.

Cole Henry, Sr, DB – A versatile player. In eight games as a junior, Henry threw for touchdown, ran for two scores, caught a touchdown pass, and took a kickoff to the house. He finished with 193 yards rushing, eight receptions, 114 receiving yards and 26 total tackles.

NEWCOMERS
Juniors WR/DB Isaac Brown, WR/DB Malachi Ewell along with sophomores ATH Ryker Campbell and ATH Keegan Maher all have a chance to join the rotation. Brown played in 11 games and Ewell played in nine a year ago but mostly on special teams.

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – at Bardstown (14-1 in 2022) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – HENRY CLAY (3-8) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – at Ryle (6-6)  – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – CAMPBELL COUNTY (11-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Great Crossing (8-3) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – HIGHLANDS (9-3)– 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – at Conner (2-9) – 7:00 PM
Th – 10/05/23 – at Scott (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – BOONE COUNTY (3-7) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – DIXIE HEIGHTS (3-8) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/27/23 – BYE

2023 Active Leaders: Northern Kentucky (offense)
2023 Active Leaders: Northern Kentucky (defense)

BOONE COUNTY RIVALS
This will be the 16th season of football at Cooper football. The Jaguars have played 171 games (all under coach Borchers) of which 47 have been played against the other three Boone County schools. Cooper is a combined 21-26 against their local rivals – Boone County (11-4), Conner (7-10) and Ryle (3-12).

 

 

 

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