We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Cook High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Hornets this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 5-6
- Points Scored: 215
- Points Allowed: 244
Key Roster Losses
The Cook Hornets will miss a couple of standout two-way starters with the departure of Bralyn Bennett and MJ Tippins. Bennett played tight end and offensive tackle on offense while playing linebacker on the defensive side. Tippins served as the Hornets’ quarterback on offense and free safety on defense.
Cook will also lose three-year starters along the offensive line with the graduation of Erik Joyce, Tyler Terrell, and Kyle Terrell, giving the Hornets a total of four linemen to replace, counting Bennett.
Perhaps the biggest weapon Cook will have to replace is All-American punter and kicker Brooks Moore, who became the only Hornet to sign with a college program. Moore will go on to punt for Tulane.
Key Players Returning
The Hornets had a roster of mostly underclassmen, which means many of the team’s key players will return in 2026.
That includes running back Dawson Davis, who enjoyed a breakout season as a freshman starter last year, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Other offensive starters returning include wide receivers Alton Scott, Malcolm Merritt, and Haydin Merritt, along with offensive lineman Jayden Brown.
The quarterback position will be a battle between returners Jayden Joiner and Nole Register, head coach Cornelius Brown said.
“They will continue to battle this offseason,” Brown said.
Defensively, Cook returns its Defensive Player of the Year in linebacker Jabari Dawson, along with outside linebacker and safety Markeise Miller.
The Hornets will also welcome back two players who did not play last year. Carter Morrison and Jeremiah Covington will return to the team in 2026.
What to Expect From the Cook Hornets in 2026
With the departure of former head coach Byron Slack, Cook promoted former defensive coordinator Cornelius “Pig” Brown to head coach. He is a former Cook player and fan favorite, and you can expect the team and the community to rally around Brown this season.
For the second straight season, Cook did not graduate many players, so those freshmen and sophomores who have been developing their skills should be ready to make their impact felt in 2026.
“We will have 15 to 20 seniors on this year’s roster, and these are all guys who should be ready to go this year,” Brown said. “We have a great staff of coaches and a solid group of players who are high character and will be expected to play with a lot of intensity this year.”
2026 Season Prediction
Cook will have to navigate a tough schedule in 2026, but look for Brown to lead the Hornets to a 6-6 season this year.
Game to Watch
Season opener on Aug. 21 at Swainsboro
Cook’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/21 at Swainsboro
- 8/28 at Bleckley County
- 9/04 at Colquitt County
- 9/11 vs. West Laurens
- 10/02 vs. Berrien
- 10/09 at Brooks County
- 10/16 vs. Fitzgerald
- 10/23 at Jeff Davis
- 10/30 vs. Bacon County
- 11/06 at Thomasville
