Stand next to Mason Cooper and you’d swear he’s a basketball player. But talk to him and it becomes very obvious he’s a football player, through and through.

And a very good one. Perhaps one of the best defensive players in all of Lebanon County.

On Friday night at Buck Swank Stadium, Cooper’s all-around efforts helped key his Palmyra Cougars to an important 35-24 victory over Trinity. Employing his trademark hustle and determination, Cooper was all over the field, both as a defensive end and a tight end on offense.

The win was the Cougars’ Lebanon County-leading seventh of the season, and it kept Palmyra in the running for a District Three Class AAAAA playoff berth.

What makes the 6-5 Cooper so difficult for opposing offenses to deal with is his rare combination of size, strength and reach. He has been the foundation upon which Palmyra has built one of the most formidable defenses in the Mid-Penn Conference.

Cooper, who earlier in the year scored a touchdown on a fumble return, has posted career highs in receptions and receiving yards this year. He has scored seven career touchdowns for the Cougars.

During the spring, Cooper is also an accomplished thrower for the Palmyra boys’ track and field squad.

 – Jeff Falk