The record books in northern Kentucky have already been altered by Cam O Hara. He is now beginning a new chapter at Cooper as he approaches his senior season, this time with a supporting cast that is largely new.
Unless you include Ryle graduate Tanner Morgan’s first two seasons at Hazard, O Hara’s 8,996 career passing yards and 120 touchdown passes start the 2025 season as northern Kentucky records. Morgan has 10,303 passing yards at the end of his high school career. As of September 2021, the most recent KHSAA records show that only 11 quarterbacks in Kentucky’s history have topped 10,000 passing yards.
Even though he is the most prolific passer in the area, this season presents a new kind of difficulty.
Cooper graduated its top three receivers: Isaiah Johnson, Austin Alexander, and Jaiden Combs. Only two players who caught a pass last season return. Of the team s 52 receiving touchdowns in 2024, 49 were scored by seniors. Just 409 of the Jaguars 3,632 receiving yards are back.
Every Monday at noon, you’ll receive a weekly summary of the NKY sports headlines.
O Hara stated, “We kind of have a whole new team because we lost a lot of guys last year.” It goes without saying that we have some large shoes to fill, but I also need to be a leader, a vocal leader, a person who builds rapport with others and has faith in them.
The supporting cast is still solid in spite of the turnover.
Following a stellar season in which he ran for 1,433 yards and 22 touchdowns, running back Keagan Maher is back. In addition, he had 3 touchdowns and 237 receiving yards, more than any other returning player. Ryker Campbell, who recorded nine grabs for 172 yards and a touchdown in addition to 162 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, is the only other returning pass-catcher.One of Cooper’s best returning playmakers is Ryker Campbell (6). Charles Bolton donated the photo.
But O Hara’s influence extends beyond the figures. The attack as a whole can be improved just by his presence.
Cooper head coach Randy Borchers stated, “Cam is such a good and smart quarterback, he’s going to make all our receivers better.” Right now, our main focus is on timing—making him feel at ease around them and them with him. Some of Cam’s skills are superior than those of the majority of high school quarterbacks.
The return of the complete offensive line gives the squad even more hope. It’s a first for Borchers throughout his tenure at Cooper.
The return of our offensive line, which we haven’t had since I was at Cooper, will be one of our greatest advantages, he said. One of our main goals is to keep Cam safe and healthy. Additionally, Keagan will relieve Cam of a great deal of stress. Our linemen and receivers will allow us to run the ball and be more offensively dynamic without having to pass the ball 40 times.
Cooper had already made two consecutive trips to the state final under O Hara’s leadership, but the Jaguars lost to Bowling Green each time. He has one last chance now.Will Cam O Hara be able to guide Cooper to return to Kroger Field for a third year in a row? Charles Bolton donated the photo.
O Hara stated, “I want to guide the team to a state championship.” We lost a lot of guys, so we’re somewhat of an underappreciated club. Although we have a chip on our shoulder, people believe we won’t be as good. Every game, we will be hungry and play with grit.
Even though the team goal is still the main focus, Kentucky Mr. Football is still quietly attainable for one individual honor.
Personal recognition is on the table, but O Hara doesn’t focus on it.
He said, “I think I’ll be up for it.” I have to concentrate on what’s happening here, so I’m not thinking about it. Rankings and the like aren’t really something I look at. There is no pressure, yet my parents will send it to me because they are proud of me.
This is Cam O Hara s last ride in a Cooper jersey. If history is any indication, he s far from done making headlines. From here, he s set to play at Western Kentucky University, committing to the Hilltoppers in February.
Did you enjoy this story? Contribute to the next one.
Without community backing, independent local reporting would not be possible. We are able to continue covering the people, places, and issues that define Northern Kentucky thanks to your monthly donation.When you donate, you’re investing in all the stories that lie ahead, not just one.
AID IN LOCAL NEWS
