(By Don Meador)
Allen County-Scottsville High School senior Payton Cope inked Friday his letter of intent to play collegiate football at Campbellsville University.
“I am excited about the opportunity,” Cope said. “It’s exciting to have another chance to play and build a bond with a group of guys. I feel like we can be pretty decent if we put in the work.”
Cope leaves AC-S with impressive numbers over the past two seasons. As a junior in the fall of 2021, Cope completed 133 of 232 passes for 2,060 yards and 18 touchdowns. Cope averaged 158.5 passing yards per game. Last fall, Cope’s numbers were a bit down but the talented senior still impressed. Cope threw for 1,162 yards (84-157) and eight touchdowns. Cope averaged 105.6 yards per game. Not only was his passing stats solid, Cope also amassed 400 yards rushing as a junior (11 TD’s) and 278 yards as a senior (11 TD’s).
Overall, Cope departs the Patriot program with an overall total of 3,257 passing yards and 27 TD’s. On the ground, Cope finished with 704 yards and 22 touchdowns. His career yardage total ranks third all-time for Patriot football (based on available records) behind Chase Wilson and DeWayne Taylor.
Cope has played football for the vast majority of his life.
“I began playing football when I was five,” Cope explained. “Football is how I grew up. Practice throughout the week and games on weekends. We would get out and waste the energy we had. On the weekends, we tried to show each other up, play, and have fun.”
Asked if college had always been a goal, Cope says “yes” but points out there were times of doubt.
“I always hoped I would, “Cope said. “However, it started looking down when Covid hit. Nothing was happening.”
The pandemic challenged Cope going into his sophomore year, limiting practice time and shortening the season. Cope stayed focused and patiently waited for his opportunity on Friday nights for AC-S.
“My freshman and sophomore years, I was the back-up to Trace McIntyre,” Cope noted. Then, when Trace graduated, it was my turn. Having Chase Wilson as a coach really helped me. He taught me what he did as a player.”
Cope is excited to become a member of the Tiger football program and to further his education at Campbellsville.
“I like how small the campus is,” Cope added. “I can walk everywhere. The football players are great people. They all want to come in and do their jobs and to win. The program has a coach (Perry Thomas) that will push you.”
Looking back, Cope has a message for young football players.
“Don’t take football for granted,” Cope explained. “In the blink of an eye, it’s all gone. Give it your all and you will have no regrets in the end.”
Cope is the son of Ashley Cope and Scott Cope.