Head coach – Brad O’Steen
2021: 3-7
The Cougars expect to harvest the fruits of their labor in 2022 after last season playing a young but talented squad including multiple underclassmen underneath the Friday Night Lights. “Our outlook is very optimistic that will give this year’s group the outcome or rewards for their efforts,” said head coach Brad O’Steen, who begins his second season at the helm of the tradition rich Ada football program. Evidence of the high expectations begins on the offensive side of the football where nine starters return prepared to showcase the skills of a variety of players. Carter Freeland (6-2, 185, Sr.) returns as the field general following a junior season where the strong armed and confident quarterback passed for 1807 yards including 20 touchdowns. Ada’s two-back spread system will employ a trio of running backs including Darius Gilmore (5-8, 155, Sr.) who totaled 706 yards and eight trips to the end zone sharing touches with Xander Rhynes (5-10, 159, Jr.) and Kendre Grant (5-11, 175, Jr.). The receiver unit has the ability to take any reception to the end zone paced by Andrew Hughes, (6-4, 178, Sr.) a state champion high jumper that can go up in a crowd to make the catch proven by last year’s numbers where he averaged 19.6 yards per reception and 11 touchdowns. The Freeland to Hughes connection set a school record for most receiving yard in a single game as Hughes has nine catches for 250 yards and three scores against Tecumseh. Newcomer DaMontre’ Patterson (5-10, 158, Jr.) who has breakaway speed and sure hand talents will join Jack Morris (6-4, 187, Sr.) who made 30 receptions in 2021. The Cougars offensive front line will be key to the offensive results where O’Steen will call upon Caden Balthrop (5-10, 220, Sr.) for strength and leadership along with Jagger Caldwell (6-1, 195, Jr.) and Isaiah Hayden (5-11, 230, So.) who made four starts last year as a freshman.
2022 Schedule:
9-2 –at Ardmore
9-9 – at McAlester
9-16 – vs. Durant
9-23 – at Sallisaw
9-30 – at Hilldale
10-7 – vs. Madill
10-13 – vs. Stilwell
10-20 – at Fort Gibson
10-28 – vs. Poteau
11-4 – at Broken Bow
