Hooper Doing It All For North Pontotoc

ECRU, Miss. (WCBI) — North Pontotoc senior athlete Corley Hooper has done it all for the Vikings, literally.

17 passing touchdowns, 22 rushing touchdowns, 2,800 total yards, and 137 tackles.

Head coach Andy Crotwell said he has had big seasons from players on each side of the football, but, “to do both in the same year, no, that’s unique.”

“I just like to give all the glory to God for keeping me healthy this season…you can’t do anything injured,” Hooper said.

“None of my stats come without the guys that go unnoticed, the offensive and defensive line. I think that’s a big part of our team is that we’re unselfish, and we don’t care who gets the publicity or anything like that.”

When watching the Vikings under the Friday night lights, you know #18.

There’s more to Hooper than simply scoring touchdowns, or recording a tackle for loss. It’s his energy, his leadership, that makes him a coach’s dream.

“He’s what you look for in a leader,” Crotwell said, “He’s confident, exudes confidence, spreads that confidence, but he’s confident without a hint of arrogance. The guys look to him, and look for him to set an example, and he sets a great example.”

But there will come a time when Corley Hooper’s football career will come to an end at North Pontotoc, and the two-sport athlete hopes to continue his athletic career on the gridiron or the diamond.

When the time comes for Hooper to hang up the cleats….you won’t be able to keep him off the sidelines for long.

“I’ve always wanted to stay in sports, so I’ve thought about becoming a coach, or an athletic trainer, or deal with physical therapy, to help people recover from injuries…” Hooper said.

“I’ve had injuries throughout my high school career, everybody has. When I had to go to physical therapy, those people have done a lot for me. People like me, I love to be out here on the field and they help me get back there. So, I’d like to help people get back to what they love doing like they helped me.”

For now, the football career continues, as Hooper will look to lead the Vikings to an upset of the number one team in 3A, North Panola, in the second round of the playoffs, Friday.