Cam O’Hara turns the page, but the story isn’t over

Cam O’Hara has already rewritten the northern Kentucky record books. Now, as he enters his senior season at Cooper, he’s turning the page to a new chapter, this time with a mostly new supporting cast.

O’Hara begins the 2025 season with 8,996 career passing yards and 120 touchdown passes, both standing as northern Kentucky records unless you count Ryle graduate Tanner Morgan’s first two seasons at Hazard. Morgan finished his high school career with 10,303 passing yards. According to the latest KHSAA records (last updated in September 2021), only 11 quarterbacks in Kentucky history have surpassed the 10,000-passing yard mark.

While he’s the area’s most prolific passer, this season brings a different kind of challenge.

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.

“We kind of have a whole new team with losing a lot of guys last year,” O’Hara said. “We have some big shoes to fill, obviously, but I have to make sure to be a leader, a vocal leader, making sure they know I’ve got their back, building chemistry with them, and being confident in them.”

Despite the turnover, the supporting cast remains strong.

Running back Keagan Maher returns after a breakout season, rushing for 1,433 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also led all returning players with 237 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The only other returning pass-catcher is Ryker Campbell, who posted nine receptions for 172 yards and a touchdown, along with 162 rushing yards and three rushing scores.

O’Hara’s impact, however, goes beyond the numbers. His presence alone can elevate the entire offense.

“Cam is such a good and smart quarterback, he’s going to make all our receivers better,” said Cooper head coach Randy Borchers. “The biggest thing we’re working on right now is timing, getting him comfortable with them, and them with him. Some of the things Cam can do are on a higher level than what most high school quarterbacks are capable of.”

Adding to the team’s optimism is the return of the entire offensive line. For Borchers, it’s a first during his time at Cooper.

“One of our biggest strengths will be our offensive line returning, which we’ve never had since I’ve been at Cooper,” he said. “That’s one of our keys, protecting Cam and keeping him healthy. Keagan is also going to take a lot of stress off Cam. With our receivers and linemen, we’re going to be able to run the ball and be more dynamic offensively, where we’re not throwing the ball 40 times.”

O’Hara has already led Cooper to back-to-back state championship appearances, but each time the Jaguars came up short against Bowling Green. Now, he gets one final shot.

“My goal is to lead the team to a state championship,” O’Hara said. “We’re kind of an underrated team because we lost a lot of guys. People think we’re not going to be as good, but we have a chip on our shoulder. We’re going to play with grit and be hungry every game.”

While the team goal remains front and center, there’s still one individual accolade quietly within reach…Kentucky Mr. Football.

O’Hara doesn’t dwell on personal recognition, but he knows it’s on the table.

“I think I’ll be up for it,” he said. “I’m not thinking about it because I’ve got to focus on what’s going on here. I don’t really look at rankings and stuff. It’s something my parents will send me because they’re proud of me, but there’s no pressure.”

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.