Before we give a short recap of last night’s 34-14 victory by Lubbock-Cooper over Lubbock, I want to thank both head coaches for taking their time to write daily blogs about Thursday night’s game. Lubbock’s Jason Strunk and Cooper’s Max Kattwinkel both also appeared on last night’s radio show talking about things beyond the game.
Both coaches gave our readers a great look inside high school football via The Turnaround that goes beyond wins and loses, and for that I thank both.
As far as who’s smiling a bit more today, it’s Cooper’s Kattwinkel whose team improved to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in District 4-5A.
The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reports that Cooper picked-up the victory without its starting quarterback (Kolton Ehlers) and running back (Seth Watts).
After taking a 14-7 halftime lead, Cooper back-up quarterback Grady Atkins tossed two second half TD passes and also ran from one to lead the Pirates. Atkins finsihed 14-22 for 236 yards with three TD’s, plus he rushed for 15 yards and two scores. Atkins top receivers were Evan McHugh with seven catches for 108 yards and a touchdown and Jordan Salas with three catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
Lubbock quarterback Dae Dae Morgan led the Westerners with 129 yards rushing and 146 yards passing with two touchdowns.
Below was Cooper head coach Coach Kattwinkel wrote about the victory.
by Max Kattwinkel
Lubbock-Cooper High School Head Football Coach
Follow @MKattwinkel
This week is finally drawing to a close. As a coach, I’m thankful for a win. As a friend of Jason’s, it is tough.
His kids fought hard the whole game. The group of young but talented players he has is getting better every game. Jason and his staff will get these guys to the playoffs. He is a guy that can will his kids to get there.
I appreciate the invite to share a few thoughts this week. I hope Jason and I were able to show the fun side, the pureness, and competitiveness of high school football. It’s a game we coach, but it’s a life we shape.
