Cooper High School's new head football coach spent 20 years running into burning buildings before he took over one of Northern Kentucky's most successful programs. Adam Begley, a battalion chief with the Florence Fire Department, steps up from freshman head coach to replace Randy Borchers, the only head coach in the Jaguars' 18-year football history.

The challenge is steep. Cooper reached the Class 5A state championship game in 2023 and 2024 under Borchers, who resigned in April with a career record of 118-95. Record-setting quarterback Cam O'Hara, who threw for more than 11,000 yards over three seasons in Union, is now at Western Kentucky. The Jaguars return just four starters on offense and four on defense.

"We're not rebuilding, the foundation is set," Begley told the NKy Tribune.

Begley, who works 24-hour shifts every third day at the firehouse, said his command experience translates directly to the sideline. He spent 45 minutes with his staff going over pregame logistics before a scrimmage at Lloyd on Friday, Aug. 7.

The top returning player is senior safety and wide receiver Corey Freihofer, a 6-foot, 185-pound multi-sport standout who recorded 48 tackles last season and is the defending Kentucky state champion in the pole vault. Freihofer is the third member of his family to lead a Cooper team; older sisters Kay and Liz helped the girls basketball program reach back-to-back Sweet 16s.

Freihofer isn't buying the underdog talk. He said the Jaguars have plenty of offensive weapons despite the roster turnover.

Sophomore Zach Kostopoulos, listed at 160 pounds, takes over at quarterback. Begley praised the newcomer's football IQ as the sophomore steps into a role vacated by a three-year starter.

The offensive line is expected to anchor the unit, featuring Carson Clark, Manning Dawson, Trevor Johnson and Brayden Neal. Cooper's receiving corps goes five deep, led by Freihofer and returnee Talon Johnson. On defense, Cole Suesz and Owen Flamm lead up front with Parker Tveten at outside linebacker.

Four assistants return from last year's staff. New athletic director Tyler Morgan serves as defensive coordinator, and assistant Dan Maher remains on board after his son Keegan, who rushed for 4,000 yards at Cooper, moved on to Georgetown College.

Begley credited Borchers, who has moved to Kenton County Schools as director of student engagement, for helping smooth the transition.

The schedule offers no easing-in period. Cooper, a Class 5A program, opens with three straight games against Class 6A opponents: at Christian County in Hopkinsville on Friday, Aug. 21, at 7:30 p.m.; at Highlands on Friday, Aug. 28; and home against rival Ryle on Friday, Sept. 4. District 5 play includes matchups with Boone County, Conner, Dixie Heights and Scott.

One more detail worth watching: Begley's son Aiden, a slim sophomore wide receiver listed at about 130 pounds, is on the varsity roster. The season opener at Christian County kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 21.