The Cooper (Union, KY) varsity football team will host Southwestern (Somerset, KY) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 5A.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Cooper (KY) vs Southwestern (KY)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Team Preview: Southwestern vs. Cooper (24-25 Football Season)

As the 2024-2025 football season draws to a close, two teams stand out in the Kentucky Region, Southwestern and Cooper. With distinct records, offensive capabilities, and defensive stats, the matchup between these two schools highlights some intriguing contrasts.

Team Records & Rankings

• Southwestern boasts a solid 8-5 overall record, with an impressive 4-1 district record. Their success at home (4-2) and away (3-3) indicates a well-rounded team, but they are looking to improve their consistency. With a winning percentage of .615 and district percentage of .800, Southwestern has shown resilience but needs to capitalize on tougher games to compete at the highest level.
• Cooper, on the other hand, remains undefeated with a perfect 12-0 record, including a flawless 5-0 in district play. Their dominance is evident both at home (7-0) and away (5-0), and their perfect district record demonstrates their firm control of their competition. Cooper’s overall win percentage of 1.000, combined with a district percentage of 1.000, sets them apart as one of the top teams in the region.

Scoring Averages: A Tale of Two Offenses

One of the most striking contrasts between these two teams is their offensive output:

• Southwestern averages 22.5 points per game, with their highest-scoring quarter coming in the fourth (5.0 points). Their offense is methodical, with steady scoring across all quarters, though they tend to ramp up towards the end.
• Cooper, with an average of 43.9 points per game, is a powerhouse offense. Their first-quarter output of 15.1 points is especially impressive, followed by 16.6 in the second. Cooper’s offense stays consistently strong throughout the game, reflecting their ability to control and dominate early, then manage the game in the second half.

Statistical Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses

While both teams bring impressive elements to the field, they do so in different ways:

• Southwestern focuses on a balanced offensive attack, combining 147.1 rushing yards per game with 242.1 passing yards per game. They are capable of moving the ball both on the ground and through the air, which makes them unpredictable. However, they average just 22.5 points per game, which might be a challenge when facing a high-scoring team like Cooper.
• Cooper brings a far more potent offense, with a remarkable 389.2 total yards per game. The team thrives in both passing (242.2 yards per game) and rushing (147.1 yards per game), but their scoring numbers speak volumes. Averaging nearly 44 points per game, Cooper excels in every phase of the game and will likely be tough for Southwestern to contain.

On defense, Southwestern averages 52.7 tackles per game and 1.8 sacks per game, led by standout player Ryker Campbell, who tallies 7.2 tackles per game. Cooper, meanwhile, is equally impressive, though their defense allows fewer points overall, giving them a distinct edge in controlling games and preventing scoring.

Key Players to Watch

• Southwestern:
  • Keagan Maher: As the team’s rushing leader, Maher averages 112.1 yards per game and is a crucial part of the offense.
  • Cam O’Hara: The team’s passing leader, O’Hara has been a consistent threat, averaging 240.9 passing yards per game and 255.3 total yards per game.
  • Isaiah Johnson: As the receiving leader with 88.9 yards per game, Johnson is a prime target in the air.
  • Ryker Campbell: On defense, Campbell leads the team with 7.2 tackles per game, providing stability in the middle of the defense.
• Cooper:
  • Cam O’Hara (Again): He continues to be a key offensive weapon, contributing not only in passing yards but in total offensive yardage, averaging 255.3 total yards per game.
  • Austin Alexander: On defense, Alexander stands out with 1.0 sacks per game, making him a formidable force against opposing offenses.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents in the regular season, and both have proven to be successful. For example:

• On November 1, 2024, Southwestern triumphed over Henry Clay with a 31-0 victory.
• Cooper, in their earlier match on August 30, 2024, also defeated Henry Clay by a similar margin, 47-0.

This shows that both teams are capable of handling opponents with relative ease, setting the stage for what could be an exciting encounter when they meet.

Final Thoughts

When comparing Southwestern and Cooper, the contrast in their offensive firepower is clear. Southwestern will need to step up defensively and create opportunities to slow down Cooper’s high-scoring attack. With a potent offense and solid defense, Cooper enters the matchup as the clear favorite, but Southwestern’s resilience and balanced play style may present challenges that could surprise their opponents.

In a season where every game counts, the showdown between Southwestern and Cooper could be a defining moment for both teams as they move closer to postseason glory.