Trojans' Justin Cooke keeps on rolling vs. Central

Soddy-Daisy quarterback Justine Cooke (2) rolls out to pass.  Five area high schools scrimmaged at Bradley Central High School Saturday, August 1, 2015.
Soddy-Daisy quarterback Justine Cooke (2) rolls out to pass. Five area high schools scrimmaged at Bradley Central High School Saturday, August 1, 2015.
photo Soddy-Daisy quarterback Justin Cooke (2) runs the ball as Red Bank defenders close in during the first half of play at the Trojan's Robert Talaska field on August 21, 2015.

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Scores and Photos: Friday Night High School Football - Aug. 28

Justin Cooke picked up where he left off in last week's season opener by throwing long touchdown passes again on Friday night.

Only this time, he spread the wealth around a little more.

The Soddy-Daisy quarterback, who began his season with five touchdown tosses in a victory over Red Bank, continued the prolific start to his junior year by throwing four more in the Trojans' 42-6 win over visiting Central.

With Central (0-2) double-covering Tre Carter, who caught four of Cooke's five touchdowns last week, three other Trojans (2-0) benefited, including running back Christian Bell, who had two touchdown catches and ran for two more scores.

"Tonight they were doubling Tre, and we had other guys step up," Soddy-Daisy coach Justin Barnes said. "We talk to them all the time about that and tell them, 'Hey, you better be prepared to make some plays.' They took Tre away, other guys stepped up, and we kept rolling."

Central's James Walker returned a first-quarter Cooke fumble 84 yards to bring the Purple Pounders within 7-6, but it was all Soddy-Daisy after that. The Trojans put up 21 points in the second quarter to take a 35-6 lead, and their defense halted Central's only plunge into the red zone as the first half ended.

"With our defense right now, they're playing outstanding," Barnes said. "Last week they were just swarming to the ball and just kind of kept it going this week."

The Purple Pounders were plagued with offensive penalties early, which kept them in long-yardage situations and stifled a rushing attack that had 216 yards in a season-opening loss to Notre Dame.

Meanwhile, Soddy-Daisy did its damage with quick strikes, scoring its first five touchdowns on drives of five or fewer plays. When Cook found Bell for a 10-yard touchdown in the third quarter to put the Trojans ahead 42-6 and initiate a running clock, it capped their longest scoring drive of the night at eight plays.

"We do feel like with the guys we've got, we can be pretty explosive," Barnes said. "It's a different guy each week."

Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.

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