32 minutes ago, Big East Zebra said:

He is a man-child. He will possibly be the best player on the field, I don't know if BG has anyone who can match his speed or strength. 

They do not. It will take a collective effort. BG has seen plenty of D1 players this year, so it's not anything new. Their schedule has prepared them for this. They will have to know where he is at every snap.

Likewise though, Cooper will have to have an answer for Travey Barber and to a greater extent, Deuce Bailey. I'll be interested to see their game plan for the Purples' pass attack.

I'm really hoping the weather cooperates for both squads!  Think this could be quite the show.

1 hour ago, FrankNicodemus said:

Hence the reason why he NEEDS to be a crucial part of the Cooper offense!!!

I think he has been....... they are still playing week 15. In the Scott County and Southwestern games he came up big and I believe he had 2tds last Friday.

41 minutes ago, 9068 said:

I think he has been....... they are still playing week 15. In the Scott County and Southwestern games he came up big and I believe he had 2tds last Friday.

I’m glad you understood what I meant.

Both Southwestern and Highlands dedicated 2 guys to AA and Isaiah Johnson to stop the deep pass threat. BG has played a cover 2 shell in a 4-2-5 defense. The question will be what do they do when cooper goes 2 x2. Do they roll a safety down and go cover 3 or do they play cover 2 and leave one slot uncovered, or cover 2 and widen an ILB out to help away from the olb. I'm interested to see how they adjust. 

9 hours ago, FrankNicodemus said:

The best thing that could happen for Cooper is a nice heat wave coming into Lexington at the end of the week, Mid 50's being the high, Low 40's being the low.....hopefully the rain will hold off a little.

Cam will be slinging it all over Kroger field.  

My X Factor is Mr. Alexander (I say Mr. b/c that kid is a MAN).  He really needs to be a prime focus in Coach Borcher's offensive game plan.  In their 14 games this season he has only caught 5 or more passes in 4 games, and twice he has had 10 or more.  He needs to at least get 7+ receptions on Saturday for the Jags to bring home the title.  

Get this passing game rocking and I think that will open up some nice hole for Maher to run through.

Defense has been playing really really well these last few weeks.  Get on the + side of the turnover game.

GO JAGS!!!!

Alexander is a stud and one of the top overall players in the whole state. The best receiver for Cooper though and one of the best receivers in the state is Isaiah Johnson. Highlands was determined to make sure he didn’t go off again like he did the first game and routinely kept 2 or 3 guys on his side. I look for him to have a big game this week. Which is what creates issues for teams, because with Johnson and Alexander on the outside at WR, O’Hara at QB, it opens up things for a very good and underrated RB in Maher. 

23 hours ago, FrankNicodemus said:

You are awesome!!!! Hope the wedding was great this weekend!!! You didn’t miss any exciting games. I’ll be listening!!!

GO JAGS!!!!

Thank you my man @FrankNicodemus!! The wedding was spectacular and was getting updates during the rehearsal LOL.  What a Friday of football.  Only to be topped by my daughter being happier than anyone on those winning teams.  That being said, she was as interested in the results as I was.  She's the total package.   Hope we can paint the picture from everyone.  My camera dried out and works, but is audio only for the Cooper game.  Go Jags!  Going to be a show.

I’ll be listening!!! Congrats go Jags!!! 

After 102 votes the current split is:

BG 59

Cooper 43

I would say that’s a nice sign of respect for the Jags!

If my memory serves me correctly they were only getting around 30% last week.

GO Jags!!!! The true Underdog story!!!

21 hours ago, Big East Zebra said:

He is a man-child. He will possibly be the best player on the field, I don't know if BG has anyone who can match his speed or strength. 

Alexander needs to impose himself on both sides of the ball. He'll get his share of targets, but his defensive role may be just as vital. 

If/when he gets pressure, he needs to finish the job. Simply flushing Bailey from the pocket might not be enough. Bailey's as good as any quarterback in the state at improvising. The combination of mobility and comfort throwing on the go makes him equally dangerous - maybe even more so - outside the pocket as he is inside.

Alexander may need some help cleaning up the mess he starts. Other Cooper defenders need to step up in support.

It comes down to the Cooper defense to me - can they get a solid pass rush on Bailey.  If not Purples win going away.  I think this will be alot of offense - I could see it either way, but after getting drubbed by the Purples, I'll say BG 49-28.

Like everyone, I’m really looking forward to the game. I’m sure Cooper is better now than they were in weeks 1&2 but I can assure you that the Purples are much better now than beginning of season. Great coaching, Purples!
 

I know Alexander is a stud (his dad was phenomenal) 

BUT…….

I don’t think Cooper has seen an athlete this year like Deuce Bailey and Trevy Barber. 
 

I think the opponents that Purples have faced the Purples would agree on my assessment of these two kids. 
 

Saturday night should reveal everyone’s thoughts and opinions of the players and the projected outcome to either be true or false. 
 

In my Purple colored glasses, I’d be hard pressed to think there will be two bigger difference makers (and athletes) on the field than #2 and #3 that will be wearing Purple and Gold.

 

 

7 minutes ago, PurpleTim said:

Like everyone, I’m really looking forward to the game. I’m sure Cooper is better now than they were in weeks 1&2 but I can assure you that the Purples are much better now than beginning of season. Great coaching, Purples!
 

I know Alexander is a stud (his dad was phenomenal) 

BUT…….

I don’t think Cooper has seen an athlete this year like Deuce Bailey and Trevy Barber. 
 

I think the opponents that Purples have faced the Purples would agree on my assessment of these two kids. 
 

Saturday night should reveal everyone’s thoughts and opinions of the players and the projected outcome to either be true or false. 
 

In my Purple colored glasses, I’d be hard pressed to think there will be two bigger difference makers (and athletes) on the field than #2 and #3 that will be wearing Purple and Gold.

 

 

His dad did not play football. His UNCLE was a pretty fair player. Dad is a graduate of Notre Dame. I believe Mom is an Alabama graduate.

4 minutes ago, 9068 said:

His dad did not play football. His UNCLE was a pretty fair player. Dad is a graduate of Notre Dame. I believe Mom is an Alabama graduate.

Pretty fair is one way to describe it!

 

Two really good head coaches in this game!

I get tired of BG dominating OHS but quite a program.  Since 5A’s inception in 2007, BG has been to 8 state championship games (9 counting Saturday) and winning 6.  I’m glad new blood is in the final in Cooper.  Rooting for BG but should be a great game.