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Preview: Cooper vs. Bowling Green

Cooper RB Keagan Maher (photo by Chris Granger / X: @regnargc)

As the old adage goes, this one is for all the marbles as Cooper takes on Bowling Green in the 5A state title game on Saturday night. The Jaguars are making their second state title appearance in school history and hope to add state champion to their program’s resumé. Bowling Green aims to add to their storied history and add an eighth title to the trophy case in southern Kentucky. 2020 was the last time that Bowling Green held the gold trophy and it’s been eleven years since Cooper had the prize in their sights. Everything is on the line when the two clash on Saturday night in Lexington. 

COOPER JAGUARS (12-2) vs. BOWLING GREEN PURPLES (11-3)
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m.
Kroger Field, University of Kentucky
Follow on X: @TSFootball  

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Cooper’s Cam O’Hara has been the head of the snake for the Jaguars. The Sophomore has thrown for over 3,141 yards and a whopping 45 touchdowns on the season. The savvy play caller has been one of the best in the pocket all season long. In the air, O’Hara has looked to wideouts  Austin Alexander and Isaiah Johnson. Alexander has 59 catches for 1,045 yards and 18 scores including two last week against Highlands. Johnson leads the team with 71 grabs, 1,304 yards and 20 touchdowns. Keagan Maher leads the rushing attack with 1,181 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Quarterback Deuce Bailey has had an outstanding season. He was thrown for 3,316 yards and 40 touchdowns against only four interceptions. He is completing 69 percent of his passes with his main target being Trey Barber. Barber has 75 receptions for 1,075 yards and 15 scores. Matthew Klein, Christopher Sweeney, Jaden Smith, and Montravion Graham all have over 200 yards receiving on the season. Smith and Graham are also the team’s leading rushers.

TEAM TRENDS: This is Cooper’s second ever appearance in the state championship game. The Jaguars last advanced to the title game in 2012 when they ironically also ran up against the Purples of Bowling Green. The Jaguars would fall to the Purples by a score of 34-20. Coming into this game, Cooper has outscored their opponents by almost 100 points in total doing most of their damage through the air.

Bowling Green is seeking an eighth state crown with the last coming in 2020. The Purples got the best of Cooper in the 2012 title game by slowly pulling away in the second half. This year they boast a tremendous passing threat and have a bevy of runners capable of having a big night. 

HEAD COACHES:
Cooper: Randy Borchers (97-89 at Cooper, 16th year; 105-101 overall, 18th year)

Bowling Green: Mark Spader ( 57-21 at Bowling Green, 57-21 overall,  sixth year)

PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Cooper: State Runner-up (one) – 2012 (5A)

Bowling Green: State Champion (7) – 2020 (5A), 2016 (5A), 2015 (5A), 2013 (5A), 2012 (5A), 2011 (5A), 1995 (3A).

COOPER’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Jaguars should look to keep their playbook open in hopes of finding their electric playmakers on the outside. Their defense has played well as of late and some early touchdowns could push them to a win.

BOWLING GREEN’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Bowling Green should look to force Cooper into a more physical and slowed down game to keep the Jaguar offense off of the field. If they can keep Cooper out of rhythm, they have a chance for an eighth title.

Prediction: Cooper 34, Bowling Green 27

 

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