Editor’s note: The article was originally published by Piper McCoun. https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/bowling-green-secures-back-back-titles-after-37-20-win-over-cooper-5a-championship/
The Bowling Green Purples completed their back-to-back state championship campaign in decisive fashion after a 37-20 win over Cooper on Saturday night at Kroger Field. After winning up front and establishing the run game early, Bowling Green took advantage of their size and speed to claim victory over Cooper and win another 5A Class title.
3-star Missouri State commit Deuce Bailey boasted three rushing touchdowns. The multi-faceted QB showed dominance on his feet, which gave the Jaguars defense problems all night long. The Purples’ defense worked quickly and thoroughly, winning most matchups on the field and giving Bailey and company plenty of time to go to work offensively.
“These guys had a goal back in January to repeat as champions, and I told them it would be a tough task. It was a much tougher season for us. You get everybody’s best shot when you’re defending champs…” head coach Mark Spader said after the victory.
“Our kids really felt like we were ignored coming into the game. It was a juggernaut of a Cooper team that we have great respect for… It was just assumed that they were gonna roll over us, so it motivated our team. It gave us a little extra this week to come out here, finish the season and finish our goals… So I’m very proud of my team.”
How it all went down
After Bowling Green forced a punt on Cooper’s first drive of the game, the Jaguars’ defense went on to intercept the ball in Bowling Green territory. This gave Cam O’Hara and Isaiah Johnson the go-ahead for a quick touchdown reception to take the lead at 6-0 Cooper.
Bowling Green’s offense went on for a long drive upfield, giving quarterback Deuce Bailey an opening to the end zone. With the extra point good, the Purples claimed the lead 7-6. Bowling Green’s defense stumped the Jaguars through the end of the first quarter.
Opening the second quarter, the Purples’ drive to the end zone ended in a field goal, bringing the game to 10-6. Cooper found an offensive spark shortly after when O’Hara connected with Jaiden Combs for a 32-yard touchdown reception, where the Jaguars reclaimed the lead 12-10.
Bowling Green turned another field goal at the end of their next drive, taking a one-point lead at 13-12, which would remain through the rest of the second quarter.
Opting to receive in the third quarter worked in the Purples’ favor. A quick and steady drive to the end zone led Bailey to another rushing score, extending Bowling Greens’ lead to 20-12 early in the third. After big defensive stops by the Purples, running back Jaxen Smith found the end zone, making it 27-12 BG.
Bailey started the fourth quarter with yet another QB keep to the house at 34-12. Cooper showed signs of life with a quick touchdown when O’Hara found North Carolina commit Austin Alexander to score, and the two-point conversion brought the game to just two possessions with 7:29 to play.
Guys such as Montez Trussell, Grayson Newman, and others kept putting pressure on O’Hara and Cooper runners. A Bowling Green field goal sealed the deal at 37-20, and a stop allowed the Purples to kneel it out as the clock wound down, solidifying the back-to-back campaign and the 2024 5A State Champions, the Bowling Green Purples.
And with that, the 2024 high school football season is officially over. For now, Bowling Green will relish in the win before starting off-season training in January and looking to three-peat.
