District 2-5A Division II Football Season Outlook: Cooper, Wylie

(Photo courtesy of Big Country Preps.)

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Cooper

Scott Stewart was named new head football coach at Abilene Cooper in late May, replacing Aaron Roan, who became Abilene ISD assistant athletic director.

Cooper has made the playoffs 19 consecutive years; Stewart has been on the coaching staff for 14 of those seasons, most recently as defensive coordinator.

2025 season: Finished 7-5 overall, 4-2 in district; defeated El Paso Chapin in bi-district before falling to Argyle in the area round.

Cooper returns 27 lettermen, including 4 offensive starters and 5 defensive starters.

Key offensive players:

• Zaylon Johnson (Jr. WR): 43 catches, 713 yards, 10 TDs last season.
• Markquel Sims (Sr. RB): 649 rushing yards, 7 TDs.
• Jace Johnson (Sr. WR), Major De Los Santos (Sr. RB/WR), Tayden Bender (Jr. WR/FB/RB) are other top playmakers.

The team must replace its starting quarterback.

Offensive line leaders: Ismael Martinez (Sr.) and Declan Boyd (So.).

Defensive leaders: Jamarion Dunson, Beau Byrn, D’Marian Murry, Bryan Harrell and Chris Assir.

Cooper is aiming for a 20th straight playoff appearance.

Wylie

Abilene Wylie aims to return to the playoffs after finishing 5-5 overall and 3-3 in district last season.

Coach Clay Martin returns 35 lettermen, including 8 offensive starters and 8 defensive starters.

• Key offensive players:
• Jadin Karleskint (Sr. QB): 1,572 passing yards, 13 TDs, 3 INTs.
• Blaze Ruffin (Sr. WR/DB): 36 receptions, 767 yards, 9 TDs; also had 2 interceptions on defense.
• Cooper Jones (Sr. TB): Expected starting RB; rushed for 322 yards and 3 TDs last season.

Offensive line leaders: Sutton Stephenson, Jason Wristen, Daniel Haynes and Mac Brecheen.

Defensive leaders:

• Bo Kates (Sr. LB): Team-high 121 tackles.
• Cooper Hill (Sr. LB) and Landry Pate (Sr. TB/LB): 4 sacks each.

Other key returners: Jayden Naemi (Jr. WR) and Brady Johnson (Jr. S).

Missed our Abilene High preview? View it here!
 
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