Ada Cougars OK 2024 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2024 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the Ada Cougars!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ada Cougars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #3 In Class 4A<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #6 In Class 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach: Wade Boyles - 1st Season</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (11-2 Record - Lost In Class 4A Semifinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 25th - Beat Durant 14-7<br>Sept. 1st - Beat Ardmore 41-0<br>Sept. 8th - Beat McAlester 44-20<br>Sept. 22nd - Beat Sallisaw 7-0<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Hilldale 7-0<br>Oct. 6th - Beat Madill 63-14<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Stilwell 62-28<br>Oct. 19th - Beat Fort Gibson 48-14<br>Oct. 27th - Lost To Poteau 40-7<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Broken Bow 28-27<br>1st Round - Beat Oologah 34-7<br>Quarterfinals - Beat Clinton 21-9<br>Semifinals - Lost To Wagoner 42-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 29.5 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 16 Points Per Game</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After going 7-4 and making it back to the playoffs in 2022, expectations were high for Ada as they entered the 2023 season. They brought back the majority of their starters on both sides of the ball and it showed throughout the season. Ada would go 11-2 and would make it all the way to the 4A semifinals before losing to defending champion Wagoner. And it was a fantastic start to the 2023 season. They would begin the year with an 8-0 record, including a dominant win over rival McAlester in week two and three shutout wins on their way to the 8-0 start. In week nine, they tripped up against perennial power Poteau and fell 40-7. They finished second in the district and would have a bit of a tougher path in the playoffs. But the Cougars were happy to be back in the postseason and they would make it all the way to the semifinal round for the first time since 2017 and just the second time in the last decade. They might have lost to the Bulldogs in the semifinals but it was clear that the Cougars were trending in the right direction and would be able to carry a ton of momentum into the 2024 season. Coming into last year, the Cougars were a borderline top ten team in the preseason rankings. This season, they find themselves in the top five and there's no doubt that they can compete with the best of the best in the class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Almost everyone is back from last year's semifinal team so the expectations are rightfully high. Ten starters are back on the offensive side of the ball, including a young star quarterback, his top receiver and a very strong offensive line. After averaging nearly 30 points per game last season, don't be surprised if this Ada offense becomes one of the top scoring units in Class 4A this season. They have the potential to see that scoring average go up by at least ten points this season. On defense, the Cougars will bring back nine starters on that side of the ball and the strength will come from the line of scrimmage and into the secondary. The toughest losses for the Cougars come from the linebacker position. That's the one area on either side of the ball that has somewhat of a question with nearly 20 total starters returning. But this year also brings a new era of Ada football. Wade Boyles takes over the Ada program as head coach after being with the school for a little over a decade. And there's no doubt that he's inheriting a team that has high expectations and definitely belongs in the conversation with the elite teams in the class. They'll challenge themselves in non-district play and then they expect to win the district and compete for what would be their 20th state championship in school history.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cord Coffee - Tight End/Defensive End<br>Fisher Marr - Linebacker<br>George Maddox - Tight End/Linebacker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["911940"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668c73eeaab61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ada junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='911940' first='Brock' last='Boyles'] led a balanced Cougar offense last season in his first full season as QB1. We had high expectations around this time last year for Boyles heading into the 2023 season and he definitely met them. He threw for just over 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns on the season. Boyles has the potential to see that production absolutely explode this fall. With ten starters back on the offensive side of the ball, Boyles and company should be able to pick up where they left off in 2023 and take their games to new heights this season. And Boyles also benefits from having his top two wide receivers back and an outstanding offensive line unit blocking for him up front.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326361"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668c73eeaabbc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's four players under this section and the one player that we aren't as familiar with is junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1326361' first='Caron' last='Richardson'] but he has the potential to be a breakout player for the Ada offense. As we mentioned with Boyles, there aren't many concerns with the passing offense as they could end up being one of the better units in the state. That could also provide an opportunity for Richardson this season. Opponents are going to look to slow down Ada's offense and their passing game. That could open the door for Richardson to provide a significant impact in the running game. The Ada coaches are excited about his potential for the Ada offense this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["591882"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668c73eeaac00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ada junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='591882' first='Dawson' last='Matthews'] has been on our radar since the end of his freshman season. Matthews started and had a significant impact for the Cougars as a freshman during the 2022 season. Last year, Matthews elevated his game again and anchored an offensive line that paved the way for a balanced and strong offense. Matthews is one of a handful of Ada prospects that hold D1 offers and with him just now entering his junior season, he still has a lot of opportunities ahead of him. He continues to get better and better every time he's on the field. We expect him to make another jump this season as he helps to lead the Cougars.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1187307"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668c73eeaac46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ada senior [player_tooltip player_id='1187307' first='Deante' last='Lindsay'] is going to be one of the more electric football players in Class 4A this season. First off, Lindsay is already considered one of the top defensive backs in the state's 2025 class and he's being recruited like one. But we can see the electric plays definitely coming on the offensive side of the ball. Lindsay was Ada's leading receiver last season and it wasn't exactly close. What's impressive is just how productive he was on 36 catches on the year. He finished the year with nearly 900 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 36 catches. He also finished the year with five interceptions on defense. He's a terrific player that will be one of Class 4A's best.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Camariee Richardson - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Jaylon Wortham - 2027 Running Back/Defensive Back<br>Kelton Stipe - 2026 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1626580' first='Lakievin' last='Richardson'] - 2026 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Will Johnson - 2025 Tight End/Defensive End</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 SCHEDULE/GAMES TO CIRCLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Durant<br>Sept. 6th - AT Ardmore<br><strong>Sept. 13th - AT McAlester<br></strong>- It's rivalry week in week two and the Cougars will hit the road to square off with McAlester in their first big test of the 2024 season. The Buffaloes are once again ranked in the 5A preseason rankings and will provide a big test for Ada before they enter district play. These two have met in each of the last three seasons in non-district play and McAlester dominated the 2021 and 2022 meetings. Ada turned things around last season with a 44-20 victory. We'll have a good idea of how talented this Ada team is after this week two contest.&nbsp;<br>Sept. 27th - McLain<br><strong>Oct. 4th - Poteau<br></strong>- In week five, Ada reaches the halfway point of the regular season and this begins a two-week stretch that will more than likely determine where the Cougars stand in the district title race. They host Poteau in week five before going on the road to face Hilldale in week six. Both teams are in the preseason rankings in Class 4A. For this Poteau match-up, the Cougars will definitely have this one circled. They've lost to the Pirates in each of the last two years and neither game has been particularly close. They look to turn the series around here.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 11th - AT Hilldale<br>Oct. 17th - AT Stilwell<br>Oct. 25th - Broken Bow<br>Nov. 1st - AT Glenpool<br><strong>Nov. 8th - Sallisaw<br></strong>- In the final week of the regular season, Ada will host Sallisaw before hopefully going into the playoffs with a ton of momentum. Depending on how the season plays out, this game will surely have some playoff implications. Ada has taken care of business against the Black Diamonds in the last two seasons, winning both district contests in shutout victories. But this is a Sallisaw program that is definitely on the rise. The Black Diamonds come into this season with a ton of momentum after making a run to the quarterfinals a year ago.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ada Cougars are coming into this season with a ton of expectations and rightfully so. This is a program and more importantly a community that is starving for a shot at the state championship. From 1950-2000, you can certainly make the argument that there wasn't a better high school football program in the state. Nobody had more championships during that stretch than the Cougars. They still sit atop the state record books with 19 state championships. But Carl Albert and Jenks are both right behind them with 18 state titles and both teams have a great shot at bringing home another gold ball this season. We're also closing in on three decades since Ada's last state championship in 1996. We led this off with the fact that this is a community and a program that is starving for that state championship and the numbers back it up. This year's team has a very good shot to contend for gold, despite Class 4A being deeper and more competitive than it's been in recent memory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - 11-2 - Lost In Class 4A Semifinals<br>2022 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 4A 1st Round<br>2021 - 3-7 - Missed Playoffs<br>2020 - 5-5 - Lost In Class 4A 2nd Round<br>2019 - 4-5 - Missed Playoffs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>19 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1996 - Beat McAlester 21-14<br>1995 - Beat Clinton 17-8<br>1994 - Beat Clinton 29-7<br>1993 - Beat Clinton 21-14<br>1991 - Beat Duncan 21-6<br>1988 - Beat Broken Bow 35-6<br>1986 - Beat Guymon 34-17<br>1980 - Beat Mustang 10-3<br>1974 - Beat Owasso<br>1970 - Beat Clinton 21-15<br>1965 - Beat Altus 18-14<br>1964 - Beat Star Spencer 33-6<br>1962 - Beat John Marshall 14-7<br>1959 - Beat Blackwell 26-0<br>1957 - Beat Harding 41-13<br>1956 - Beat Cushing 33-0<br>1955 - Beat Ardmore 18-12<br>1952 - Beat Midwest City 33-6<br>1951 - Beat Ponca City 20-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->