After Passing for 337 yards, With 4 Total TDs, Caden Cooper is FCR’s Player of Week
La Grange High School senior Caden Cooper not only directs the floor in basketball as starting point guard, he also leads the team on the gridiron, seizing the lead role of quarterback on the football team. Cooper had himself a night last Friday in a 32-28 win against La Vernia High School, tallying a careerhigh 337 passing yards along with four total touchdowns, two passing and two rushing. His father, David Cooper, is the associate head coach for the varsity football team and is the head coach for the varsity basketball team as well.
“Just an ultra-competitor,” said La Grange head football coach Matt Kates. “He did a great job for us last year. Coming into his senior year, he didn’t have much of an offseason, but we got enough weapons that he knows all he’s got to do is get it to them in space. Unbelievable kid and great student. We talk about character, academics, athletics, and he embodies all of those things. Always going to do the right thing in the community, his athletic competitiveness really has made him that senior leader so far.” After last Friday’s performance, Player of the Week rights for Cooper is only fitting.
Question: What was going through your mind during the game last Friday as you were having one of the best games of your career?
Answer: “We started off strong in the first half going up at halftime. Third quarter, we got off to a slow start and it was kind of rocky. But I’m just glad everybody kept their heads focused in the game and didn’t give up.
I think we won the fourth quarter 22 to nothing, so I’m just glad everybody kept their heads focused and just kept playing.”
Question: What team in your district would you say is your toughest opponent and why?
Answer: “Navasota. Just because they have a lot of speed and talent on both sides of the ball.”
Question: If you could throw a pass to one receiver in a game, college or pro, who would it be?
Answer: “DeAndre Hopkins because he’s going to catch it.”
Question: What’s your favorite route to throw as a quarterback?
Answer: “Probably a post.”
Question: If you could sign a contract with any sports label, which one would you choose?
Answer: “Nike”
Question: What’s the team’s relationship like with former La Grange High School and current Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins? Describe the impact he’s had on the program.
Answer: “He’s had a big impact. He’s just somebody to look up to and a role model for everybody on how to work hard and how if you just keep perfecting your craft and working hard, what that can lead to.”
Question: If you’re not in school or playing football, what activity are you parttaking in?
Answer: “Hanging out with my friends, playing video games, or playing basketball.”
Question: What’s it like having your dad (assistant head coach David Cooper) as a coach? Are there any differences in coaching style?
Answer: “No, not really. He’s a little harder on me sometimes, but it does pay off.”
Question: What is your dream university and would you play sports there? If so, what sports?
Answer: “Texas and basketball.”
Question: If you could have dinner out with three other quarterbacks, high school, college, or pro, who would they be?
Answer: “Deshaun Watson for sure. Then probably Joe Burrow and Tom Brady.”
Taking full advantage of all opportunities given to him, Cooper looks to keep pace on a remarkable start to his senior year.
Fayette Co. Record’s Player of the Week
A Weekly Feature by BRIAN PIERSON
FCR’s Players of the Week
Aug. 28: Erica Otto, Schulenburg Volleyball
Sept. 4: Ellee Sodolak, La Grange Cross Country
Sept. 11: Keyshaun Green, Flatonia Football
Sept. 18: Caden Cooper, La Grange Football
* Read about the new honorees in every Friday edition, followed up with the video Q&A on Facebook a few days later.