Cooper Howell
Victory Christian Conquerors
When you play defense on a team that is the most prolific offense in the state, you would think people may overlook the contributions players on the defense make to the overall success of the program. Last season Victory Christian went 10-3 making it to the quarterfinals of the Class 2A playoffs. The outcome wasn’t what they wanted and for players like Cooper Howell, it only left him hungry for more.
“My goal this season personally is being the team leader and being my best and playing every game like it’s my last game. And of course, getting that gold ball,” said Howell.
New defensive coordinator Trace Linn has Howell back at linebacker where he made 67 tackles, two sacks, two INTS, and 12 tackles for loss. Howell said he loves playing linebacker.
“What I love most is hitting, getting sacks and being the leader of the defense,” said Howell.
Howell said there is a lot that goes into playing defense. It’s more than playing see-ball-get-ball.
“Communication and really knowing the playbook and knowing what your job is on defense. What I love most about my teammates is they are my brothers. We will go to war together and have each other’s back on and off the field,” said Howell.
Now a senior, Howell said being a student-athlete at VCS and representing his team and school brings a since of pride to him and his fellow Conquerors.
“VCS is a great place to be a student-athlete because of the support from the community around us and the administration making us good young men in Christ,” said Howell.
Family and friends are important to Howell. This summer Howell has spent time with both before the start of practice and the season.
“In my down time I love hanging out with family and friends. Going to the lake or golfing, just something like that. This summer I’ve been hanging out with my friends and family at the lake,” said Howell.
Howell currently holds multiple offers to play football at the next level. At 6-foot-2, 236-pounds, Howell still runs a 4.7 40 and is known to be one of the hardest hitters in the class.
