Cooper High School Football Team Finishes as State Runner-Up

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Cooper High School football team had an impressive but bittersweet end to their season, finishing as the Class 5A state runner-up after a 37-20 loss to Bowling Green Saturday night at Kroger Field. This marks the second consecutive year that Cooper has faced defeat at the hands of Bowling Green in the state championship.

With this game, Cooper wrapped up the season with a notable 13-1 record. Bowling Green improved its record to 12-2 with this latest victory. Cooper’s junior quarterback, Cam O’Hara, delivered a strong performance, completing 18 of 27 passes for 262 yards and throwing three touchdowns. His key targets included senior wide receiver Jaiden Combs, who notched seven receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown, and senior wide receiver Isaiah Johnson, who caught five passes for 89 yards and scored a touchdown as well.

In addition, junior wide receiver/safety Ryker Campbell showcased his versatility with three receptions for 72 yards, alongside making an interception and recording three kick returns for 57 yards. Senior tight end Austin Alexander had three catches for 29 yards and also contributed defensively with a sack.

Defensively, junior linebacker Max Wethington stood out with 13 tackles (eight solo), while junior linebacker Dax Bolen and senior defensive end Mike Mullvihill both recorded 10 tackles each. Throughout the season, Cooper’s dominant offense outscored opponents 644 to 215 heading into the finals.

This year’s journey to the state final was marked by key wins against strong teams such as Ryle, Highlands (twice), and Great Crossing. Cooper was one of a handful of teams competing for state championships in Lexington over the weekend. Earlier on Saturday, Ryle (11-3) also finished as the Class 6A state runner-up, while Beechwood emerged victorious in the Class 2A final against Owensboro Catholic with a score of 50-34, claiming the title of Greater Cincinnati’s only football state champion this season.

For Cooper High School, although the outcome was not what they hoped for, the team’s strong performance throughout the season will be remembered as an incredible achievement.