Head football coach for the Ada Cougars Brad O’Steen wants his defense to play aggressively and attack out of their 3-4 base defense. A role that George Maddox, a junior middle linebacker, fits very well and understands what it takes to make an impact on the field.

“I would say that the qualities that make me a good football player are that I’m very competitive and I’ve always been aggressive,” Maddox said.

Going into his junior year Maddox is looking forward to taking on a bigger role on defense for the Cougars. As an underclassman Maddox has been working hard in the offseason, practice, and training to improve his skills and techniques.

“My favorite memory of being an Ada Cougar was when we were at the Newcastle scrimmage last year and I got a big hit and the whole team went nuts,” Maddox said. “It was a super wild moment.”

Looking ahead to the fall Maddox wants to see the team perform well. However, he’s more concerned with the team’s success rather than personal accomplishments.

“I think the goal for any season is to end it by holding the Gold Ball,” Maddox said. “I feel like if the team accomplishes that then all my personal and team goals will come along the way.”

When Maddox needs encouragement off the field he knows where to turn.

“There are two people in my life that really inspire me,” Maddox said. “My mom is probably the best person I know and taught me how to work hard and live the things I do. The other is my Papa Jim. He is my definition of toughness and I try to be like him as much as I can.”

Outside of football, Maddox also plays basketball, runs track, and works at Cowarts. After high school he plans on joining the military and then eventually going into paramedic school.

“Hopefully I can become a Helitack Firefighter or a Hotshot,” Maddox said. “It’s been a dream job pretty much my whole life and I can see myself enjoying that for a long time.”