Mack Cooper Leading Woodrow Wilson Football to Strong 2025 Season

Long Beach’s Bruins sit atop Moore League standings behind senior QB’s efficient play and future HBCU star

Woodrow Wilson High School football is enjoying one of its most successful seasons in recent memory, entering mid-October with a 6-1 overall record and a perfect mark in Moore League competition. At the heart of the Bruins’ success stands 6’6″, 205-pound senior quarterback Mack Cooper, whose combination of efficient passing, poise under pressure, and steadying leadership has transformed Wilson into a legitimate contender for both a league championship and deep playoff run.

With his college future already secured—Cooper committed to Prairie View A&M University on August 11, 2025—the talented signal-caller is playing with the confidence of someone who has nothing to prove but everything to gain as he continues developing his craft before heading to the next level.

A Season Built on Balance and Resilience

Wilson wasted no time establishing themselves as a force in 2025, opening with three consecutive victories that showcased the team’s offensive firepower. The Bruins dominated Portola 35-0 in their season opener before dispatching Marina 37-14 and lighting up Sunny Hills 49-21 in their home opener—a game where Cooper announced his arrival with a dazzling five-touchdown performance and over 200 passing yards.

The only blemish on Wilson’s record came against Dana Hills, a 41-7 setback that tested the team’s resolve. Rather than crumble, the Bruins used the loss as a learning experience and have since rattled off consecutive wins as they entered Moore League play.

The beginning of league competition has brought out the best in Wilson. A nail-biting 23-21 victory over Compton demonstrated the team’s championship mettle, with Cooper delivering clutch completions in crunch time to preserve the win. That victory set the tone for what has become a perfect start to Moore League play, positioning the Bruins as the team to beat in conference action.

Wilson’s success formula this season has been straightforward yet effective: protect the football on offense, create turnovers on defense, and maintain balance in the attack. The defense has been particularly opportunistic, generating 13 takeaways through the first half of the season—providing short fields and momentum swings that have proven decisive in close games.

Cooper’s Efficient Command

While football is the ultimate team game, Mack Cooper’s impact on Wilson’s season cannot be overstated. The Class of 2026 signal-caller, now in his second year as Wilson’s starting quarterback, has emerged as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the Long Beach area, posting numbers that reflect both productivity and smart decision-making. Through six games, Cooper has thrown 12 touchdown passes against just two interceptions while averaging nearly 200 yards per game through the air.

Cooper’s towering frame gives him clear sightlines over defensive fronts, and he’s used that advantage to consistently find open receivers and exploit defensive weaknesses. His breakout performance against Sunny Hills—five touchdown tosses in a single game—served notice that Wilson possessed a quarterback capable of carrying the offense when needed.

Beyond the statistics, Cooper has demonstrated the intangible qualities that separate good quarterbacks from great ones. The No. 15 jersey has earned multiple “Player of the Game” honors this season, not just for his arm talent but for his leadership in pivotal moments. His ability to remain calm under pressure was on full display against Compton, where he engineered key drives late in the game to protect a slim lead.

Cooper has thrived within the offensive system that features a roughly 60/40 pass-to-run ratio, allowing him to showcase his arm while keeping defenses honest with a potent ground game. Star receiver Thomas Jones has been Cooper’s favorite target, averaging 90 yards per game and providing a reliable weapon on the outside. Meanwhile, running back Kori Scott has kept defenses from selling out against the pass, churning out consistent yardage on the ground.

Perhaps most importantly, Cooper has helped Wilson become one of the most ball-secure teams around. The Bruins’ ability to limit turnovers while creating them on defense has been the foundation of their success, and Cooper’s careful decision-making and ball placement has been central to maintaining possession and finishing drives.

Student-Athlete Excellence

Cooper’s success isn’t limited to the football field. The senior maintains a 3.35 GPA, demonstrating the same discipline and work ethic in the classroom that he displays on game days. As a two-year starting quarterback, he’s had to balance the demands of leading a high-profile football program with academic responsibilities—a challenge he’s met with maturity beyond his years.

This balance between athletic and academic achievement made Cooper an attractive prospect during his recruitment and positions him well for success at the collegiate level, where time management and dedication to both football and studies become even more critical.

HBCU Bound: The Prairie View A&M Commitment

Cooper’s recruitment process culminated in August when he announced his commitment to Prairie View A&M University, one of the nation’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities. After evaluating multiple offers and making campus visits, Cooper chose the Panthers’ program based on the opportunity to make an immediate impact and continue his development at the collegiate level.

“I’m excited and ready to take my game to the next level,” Cooper said about his commitment. “I want to learn and get developed into a better signal caller and leader. Prairie View A&M gives me that opportunity.”

The decision to attend an HBCU reflects Cooper’s desire to be part of a rich tradition while also positioning himself to contribute early in his college career. Prairie View A&M, a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), has a storied football history and a track record of developing talent that moves on to professional opportunities.

Cooper’s commitment also speaks to the growing resurgence of HBCUs in college football recruiting. Top prospects are increasingly recognizing the value of attending institutions that offer not only competitive football programs but also strong academic environments and cultural significance.

With his college decision behind him, Cooper can focus entirely on leading Wilson through the remainder of his senior season without the distraction of recruiting. That peace of mind has been evident in his play, as he’s performed with the confidence of someone who knows where his future lies and is determined to make the most of his final high school campaign.

Championship Aspirations

As Wilson heads into the heart of Moore League play and prepares for the postseason, the Bruins have every reason to feel confident about their prospects. Cooper’s steady improvement over his two years as a starter suggests he’s still developing as a quarterback, meaning Wilson’s offense could become even more dangerous as the stakes increase.

The defense’s knack for creating turnovers provides a margin for error that few teams enjoy, and the balanced offensive attack makes Wilson difficult to game-plan against. Opponents must respect both the pass and the run, and Cooper has shown he can exploit whichever aspect of the defense opponents choose to take away.

For a program looking to capture a Moore League title and make noise in the playoffs, having a quarterback who protects the football, makes plays in critical situations, and elevates those around him is invaluable. Mack Cooper has proven to be exactly that kind of quarterback for Woodrow Wilson.

Cooper’s commitment to continuing his development—both at Wilson and eventually at Prairie View A&M—demonstrates a maturity and hunger that should serve him well as the competition intensifies. He’s not satisfied with his current success; he’s using it as a foundation to build something even greater.

As October progresses and the season enters its most important stretch, all eyes will be on whether Cooper and the Bruins can maintain their level of play when the stakes are highest. Based on what they’ve shown through six games, Wilson has the pieces in place to compete with anyone—and Mack Cooper, the future Prairie View A&M Panther, will be leading the charge every step of the way.

For Cooper, his senior season represents more than just wins and losses. It’s an opportunity to sharpen the skills he’ll need at the next level, to lead his teammates to a championship, and to leave a legacy at Woodrow Wilson that will be remembered long after he trades his Bruins uniform for Prairie View A&M’s purple and gold. With one year of starting experience already under his belt and a clear vision for his future, Cooper is poised to make his final high school season his most memorable yet.