Soddy Daisy quarterback Justin Cooke, already an ETSU baseball commit, passes against East Ridge in the high school football jamboree. According to Trojan head football coach Justin Barnes, "Justin has been phenomenal for us so far. I’ve had some great pure passers before, but Justin is so much more dynamic as he has the ability to keep plays alive and he can get rid of the ball in tough situations without giving up a sack."
photo by Dennis Norwood/File Photo
Nothing brings more excitement to a high school football game than a team with a high-powered offense. As the old saying goes, offense sells tickets while defense wins championships.
If that’s the case, maybe you should plan to go watch the Soddy Daisy Trojans in the coming weeks as they have a senior quarterback who can really make things happen.
The young man is named Justin Cooke and he’s a 17-year-old stud with a super strong arm. He’s also much better than average running the football, so he’s a true dual threat guy to the teams he’ll be facing.
Cooke posted some gaudy numbers last year when the Trojans went 7-4 and advanced to the playoffs before losing to Oak Ridge. The son of Danny and Becky Cooke only accounted for 34 Soddy Daisy touchdowns, including 27 through the air and another seven on the ground as he finished with almost 2,300 yards in the air and nearly 400 rushing.
Cooke is more athletic than he is big. He’s only 5-9 and about 175 pounds, so his lack of height and overall size might hinder his chances of playing football at the next level, but he’s an All-Star shortstop for the Trojans with a super strong arm who can make most throws from any spot on the football field.
Soddy Daisy coach Justin Barnes is starting his fourth season as the Trojans head coach. Cooke is one of a dozen seniors who have been part of the program all of that time. As a former outstanding quarterback himself, Barnes knows what an outstanding quarterback looks like and he can spot one from a mile away.
“Justin has been phenomenal for us so far. I’ve had some great pure passers before, but Justin is so much more dynamic as he has the ability to keep plays alive and he can get rid of the ball in tough situations without giving up a sack,” Barnes said earlier this week before the Trojans hit the practice field.
“He’s an Archie Manning-Fran Tarkenton type guy who can get you out of trouble with his legs. You always get positive yards with him, but he also has an outstanding arm and can make every throw. Most high school quarterbacks don’t have an arm with wheels like he has, but he had a great season last year when he was a first-year starter,” Barnes nodded.
“I don’t let my quarterbacks play other positions because he’ll take enough hits as it is, but he’s a great athlete and a smart football player. He normally goes through three or four reads before he takes off on a busted play.
“Everyone is important in our offense. Justin’s only as good as his receivers and his blockers, but he’s the most important piece of our offense. He’s already committed to East Tennessee State to play baseball and he might be able to play football at the next level if he was taller. His only knock is his height.
“People get all caught up with the numbers, but nobody is any smarter or more dynamic than Justin Cooke. We have the pieces in place for a pretty good year, but you also have to have a little luck along the way. We’re really good in spots and we have a good opportunity in front of us.
“We have a chance to compete every Friday night and you just can’t replace experience of a guy like Justin. Ty Boeck is our go-to receiver right now, but we’ll spread it around some as we have some good receivers coming back.
“But for a guy who is dynamic, explosive and hard working, Justin has thickened up a bit and is more physical. He’s been a really good leader for us who doesn’t take time off as he takes care of business,” Barnes added.
Cooke is a confident young man, but is far from being cocky. He’s down to earth and really just matter of fact about the situation he and his team will be facing.
“Baseball is my sport, but I also love playing football. I just hope we can go further in the playoffs than we did last year and I’m hoping to throw for 3,000 yards with more touchdown passes. I also plan to run more and would like more rushing touchdowns as well,” he smiled when asked about his goals for the fall.
“We have some really good receivers. They just have to focus on catching the ball and not worry about getting hit, but I have all the confidence they’ll get the job done.
“My receivers do a good job of making me look good, but I have the ability to make a big play when things aren’t going well. And I feel like I’m more accurate throwing the ball when I’m on the run.
“We have a chance to have a good team this fall and I’m looking forward to seeing just how things will turn out,” Cooke concluded.
The season opener will take place on Friday when Soddy Daisy travels to face the improved Lions in a non-district game that has always been a great rivalry.
The Trojans then play at Central on Aug. 26 before the first home game against Cleveland on Sept. 2.
The regular season will conclude on October 28 with another non-district clash against the Hixson Wildcats.
(Email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@gmail.com)