The Wildwood football program knew the offseason was going to test them.
There was adversity, plenty of it, along with the kind of conditioning that can make even the toughest players question their life choices. But the Wildcats also knew what they were working toward: a chance to compete for a state championship.
Three weeks into the season, it appears the work is paying off.
“We ran endless 100s, 110s, gassers, did sleds, you name it, we went through it,” senior linebacker KJ Cope said. “There were lots of new guys and lots of adversity for sure, and it even got to us mentally. But in the end, we did what we needed to do to get ready for the season and I’m excited to see what happens.”
The Wildcats are off to a 3-0 start, outscoring their opponents 113-13, and Cope has played a major role in making sure opposing offenses have had little success finding the end zone.
The senior has recorded 39 tackles through three games, but it’s what Cope does away from the field that has impressed his coaching staff the most.
“He leads by example, plays with relentless effort, and does the right things when nobody is watching,” Wildwood coach Rhett Caruthers said. “He is the alpha of this defense and just sees the game differently. KJ is one of the smartest players on the team and has a way of making everyone around him better.”
Last Friday’s victory over Belleview handed the Rattlers their first loss of the season. Belleview had scored 75 points in its first two games, but managed just six against the Wildcats as Cope and the rest of the defense shut down the Rattlers.
Cope finished with a team-high 14 tackles, earning him this week’s UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week.
“It’s all about doing our jobs and understanding our assignments,” Cope said. “If we play the way we are capable of, the other team shouldn’t score a lot of points.”
While offensive players often receive the bulk of the attention and accolades, Cope has no problem playing on the other side of the ball. He embraces the physicality of defense and doesn’t mind making his presence known when opposing players start talking.
“It depends on the game, but those offensive guys like to talk trash,” Cope said. “I’m usually the type of guy who likes to let my play do the talking, but if I need to, I’ll let those guys know I’m there. I just love to hit, and I’m going to go hard every single play to make sure we get the job done.”
Cope has lived in Wildwood his entire life and has developed a strong bond with many of the teammates he suits up alongside each Friday night. They spend plenty of time together away from football, something Cope believes only strengthens their connection when they take the field.
“I love these guys. We do so much together, it’s like another family,” Cope said. “We stick by each other, and we all know if someone is having a rough day, we’ll be there to get them back on track.”
Athletic trainer Jade Case is another person who has made an impact on Cope during his time with the Wildcats. Case plays an important role in keeping the team healthy throughout the season, but Cope said her influence goes well beyond the football field.
“Jade is such a good supporter of all of us,” Cope said. “She makes sure things are going smooth on the field, but she’s also the person we can talk to about anything. Whether it’s sports, life, whatever, she spends so much time out there just trying to make sure we are at our best.”
Now, Cope and the Wildcats have their sights set on what comes next.
Wildwood will face district foes Melbourne Central Catholic and Father Lopez in back-to-back games at the end of the month, with the postseason looming beyond that.
For Cope, the goal is simple.
“We want to make states and win it, that’s the goal,” Cope said. “We’re going to work as much as we need to make that happen. In my mind, there’s no slacking. This is our chance to make more for ourselves.”
Whatever happens this season, Cope hopes football remains a major part of his future. He wants to continue playing at the collegiate level and eventually see how far the game can take him.
He credits many people for helping him develop into the player he is today, but there is one person he wants to make proud more than anyone.
“I want to show my mom all the hard work I’ve done is going to pay off,” Cope said. “There’s been lots of sacrifices over the years, too, but if I can suit up in the NFL someday, it’ll all be worth it.”
Each weekly UF Health Athlete of the Week winner is eligible for the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year Scholarship, a $2,500 award presented at the end of the 2026-27 academic year.