Cooper Frisk didn’t start playing quarterback until late in his sophomore season at the JV level. He had been a running back prior to moving under center.
Now a senior, Frisk started at QB for Jefferson High School last season with highly productive results. Frisk led the Blue Jays in rushing (1,349 yards) and touchdowns (17) and completed 67 of 144 passes (47 percent) for 1,240 yards and 14 TDs.
“We didn’t know what to expect (last season) other than we knew he was really good with the ball in his hands,” Jefferson head coach Matt Atley said. “He surpassed our expectations when it came to throwing the ball.
“Some kids have a knack of making people miss, and he has it. He won’t have one of the fastest 40 times, but he will have one of the quickest shuttle times with his lateral movement. He’s got great intuition when he sees holes open. When you have that, you have a special ballplayer.”
Frisk said his success comes down to trusting his teammates inside and outside of football. He rushed for 100 or more yards in seven consecutive games and piled up a season-high 252 yards against St. Louis Priory Catholic High School.
“I’m excited for my senior year and to see how dominant this team is in the conference and our schedule,” Frisk said. “We have a ton of talent that hasn’t showcased their ability yet. There’s so much talent that some people who might be playing for another team might be sitting out. Our leadership group trusts each other, and it’s a great combination.”
Frisk’s second-highest rush total was for 218 yards against Quad County Conference champion St. Vincent High School. In the 51-35 home loss to the Indians, Frisk rushed for three TDs and passed for two more. A Catholic school in Perryville, St. Vincent was 6-0 in the conference and finished 12-1 overall after losing in the Class 1 semifinals. Jefferson’s (6-5, 4-2) season ended against Bowling Green High School in the Class 2 District 2 semifinals. The last time the Blue Jays won a district title was in 2020 when they advanced to the state semifinals under head coach Alex Rouggly, who is now the principal at the high school. Atley replaced Rouggly in 2022.
“I’ve grown up with the Perryville kids,” Frisk said. “St. Vincent, we’re coming back for blood. We showed we have serious fight and grit and can be the top dog in our conference.”
The Blue Jays are in Perryville to play the Indians on Oct. 24 in the game before districts. Perryville High School is also in the conference, and Jefferson visits the Pirates on Oct. 3.
“Perryville (High) had a very good team last year,” Atley said. “St. Vincent has a great program. Our No. 1 thing is we have to be more physical. We don’t lose because of talent. We’re in a position to beat (Perryville and St. Vincent) a lot, but it’s typically one play that doesn’t go our way.”
Despite Frisk’s talent and command of the offense, sophomore Sam Kerley’s talent at QB is undeniable, Atley said. Frisk could end up at running back at times with Kerley under center.
“He’s going to be a special ballplayer. He’s a great young talent, so we have decisions to make as coaches,” Atley said.
There’s plenty of talent returning at the skill positions. Brothers Tyler and Brandon Crader are running backs, and Tyler was third on the team in rushing with 375 yards. They’ll share time in the backfield with junior Aiden Kentch and senior Noah Vandeven (slot). The wide receivers are seniors Noah Buehler, Aidan Usery and Gavin Green. Buehler is the top returning receiver after he caught 19 passes for 375 yards and five TDs last year. His best game was against Ste. Genevieve High School when he snared eight passes for 160 yards and two scores.
Jefferson has some serious muscle and size on the offensive line. Seniors Aiden Allen (5-11, 310) and Troy Jefferson (6-3, 245) and junior Josh Thieret (6, 220) were starters on the OL last season. Sophomore Chase Young (5-10, 180) has taken over at center, and junior Holden Green (5-10, 200) has moved from tight end to guard.
“Allen is stronger than an ox. He squats 650 (pounds), benches 450,” Atley said.
“We probably have three all-state linemen, and that’s not saying anything bad about the other two. Our O-line is solid,” Frisk said.
Many of Jefferson’s offensive starters stay on the field for defense. Troy Jefferson could be one of the top defensive linemen in the conference and county. Kentch, the Craders and Usery are at linebacker. Green and sophomore Parker Taylor are the safeties. Buehler and Vandeven line up at cornerback. Atley said junior DB Evan Botkin plays identical to Landon Weiss, a 2025 graduate and one of the Blue Jays’ top players on both sides of the ball in 2024.
“We have very good pieces in the secondary,” Atley said.
Dakota French booted 26 extra points his freshman year at Jefferson, but French is likely to miss his sophomore season after suffering a knee injury during spring soccer. Atley said if French does return, it won’t be until late in the season. Frisk will handle the kickoff duties and can kick field goals. Frisk returns as the punter after being named to the all-state (third team) squad.
Jefferson kicks off the season at home against Priory on Aug. 29. The Blue Jays were 2-0 against the Ravens last year. They beat them 33-16 in the first game and 35-13 in districts.