By the time the fourth quarter arrives, talent alone is no longer enough. Players are tired and finishing demands something deeper. That late-game test is what football has come to mean to Ada freshman Marcus Beale: keep pushing when quitting would be easier.

Although Beale also plays basketball and soccer, football holds a special place because of the atmosphere surrounding Ada’s program. He values a community that rallies around the Cougars and makes younger players feel part of something larger.

“Football is popular here, and being a part of the Cougar family and being in the environment is a surreal feeling,” Beale said.

The sport has also given Beale someone to follow in Jaylon Wortham. Watching Wortham play running back and linebacker has shown him what committed play looks like and given him a picture of the athlete he hopes to become.

“Jaylon has pushed me in football,” Beale said. “I look to him and see myself in the future, and that pushes me to want to work harder and do better.”

Beale has also seen that work pay off. During a travel basketball tournament, he earned a starting spot after dedicating himself to improving, reassuring him that steady work produces results.

Sports have taught Beale discipline. Balancing athletics, school, work and honors classes is demanding, but he has learned to stay committed. Away from competition, he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

His football coaches have reinforced the importance of finishing, especially when fatigue sets in. They have taught him that the difference between a talented player and a truly committed one is the willingness to keep working through the fourth quarter, even when tired and tempted to quit, for both himself and his team.

Beale credits his father, mother, Coach Randolph and Coach Foster with helping him grow. His father pushes him to become his best and always shows up. His mother helps him manage his academic responsibilities.

Mrs. Henry has also supported Beale and helped make history his favorite subject. As Beale continues through the Ada football program, he plans to keep working toward the kind of player his coaches describe — one who is still pushing in the fourth quarter.