Originally Published August 26, 2020

ADA COUGARS

Coach: CHRIS BERUS

SCHEDULE:

9-4 – at Ardmore

9-11 – at McAlester

9-18 – vs. Durant

9-25 – vs. Tecumseh

10-2 – at Blanchard

10-9 – vs. John Marshall

10-15 – vs. Harrah

10-23 – at Tuttle

10-30 – vs. Cushing

11-5 – vs. Classen SAS

QUICK HITS:

Ada’s 19 state championships are still the most in Oklahoma high school football. The Cougars haven’t won a title since 1996. Incredibly Ada is 19-4 all-time in championship games. The Cougars are 8-1 all-time against Cushing. The Tigers lone victory was a 9-7 win in the 1958 Class A state championship. Ada won 34-14 in the last meeting in 2005. Ada has won six straight against Tecumseh. The Cougars are 17-5 against the Savages all-time with Tecumseh’s last win coming in 2005.

LAST 7 YEARS:

2019 – 4-5

2018 – 5-6

2017 – 10-4

2016 – 5-6

2015 – 6-4

2014 – 8-3

2013 – 7-4

OFFENS

E The Cougars enter a new decade of football focused on long range success by taking care of details day by day to establish their identity and produce championship caliber results. The offensive unit returns four starters paced by the confidence of experienced seniors providing leadership through actions as well as their word. VYPE Top 100 choice Kohner Gallagher (5-10, 200, Sr.) will be one of a group of running backs featured in Ada’s physical ground game. Head coach Chris Berus smiles when looking at the depth of playmakers in the backfield including Earl Battles (5-11, 210, Sr.) and Max Rhynes (5-10, 185, Sr.) each capable of picking up first down yardage as well as taking it to the end zone. Ada’s ground game gets its fuel for success from the aggressive veteran blocking talents of Wyatt Jarvis (6-0, 230, Sr.), Cole Todd (6-3, 325, Sr.) and Dylan Parkey (6-2, 270, Sr.) strengthened by the blossoming efforts of Caden Balthrop (5-10, 230, So.), Caden Whitehead (5-10, 250, So.), Marcus Smith (5-9, 270, So.) as well Caden Ross (5-9, 200, Sr.). Another cause for confidence in the offense results from the skill level of quarterback Carter Freeland (6-1, 160, So.) who has the arm strength and confidence to give the Cougars an over-the-top passing threat to skilled receivers including multipurpose threat Zac Carroll (5-10, 195, Sr.) joined by Jarron Christian (5-9, 160, Sr.), David Johnson (6-2, 170, Sr.), Logan Cook (6-2, 165, Sr.) and Andrew Hughes (6-2, 155, So.). “Our approach to winning football involves talent, work ethic and situational leadership,” explained Berus. “The combination of example from our upper classmen with the eagerness from the young guys certainly presents an optimistic outlook.”

DEFENSE

The Cougars continue to embrace the belief that defense wins championships and the four returning starters will give Ada proven experience of creating turnovers through their attacking style of play. The Cougars employ a strong and quick defensive powered by Gallagher who brings his wrestler’s mentality to the gridiron eager to put opponents on their backs along with the aggressive nature of Cade Sliger (5-10, 200, Sr.), Parkey, Balthrop, Whitehead and Smith while linebackers Rhynes, Brogen Cochran (6-2, 195, Jr.), Will Bailey (5-9, 185, Sr.), Cotie Bennett (5-10, 185, Sr.), Battles and Ross leave no doubt about their intensity. Ada’s secondary unit has proven leadership and game changing talent spearheaded by the multi-sport skills of Carroll as well as Christian, Johnson and Hughes along with Darias Gilmore (5-8, 160, So.). The Cougars know that the return to Class 4A football doesn’t change the requirements necessary to compete for the ultimate prize at year’s end. “Playing championship football involves the same requirements regardless the class of competition,” said Berus pointing to Ada moving to Class 4A football. “We certainly expect to compete at the highest level and our kids work ethic proves they’re willing to accept the challenge to raise the collective results for our team that will translate to the winning margin on Friday night.”