This will be the Ada Cougars’ first year with new head coach Chris Berus. He is widely known for his past run in the semifinals with the Plainview Indians. Despite having an almost entirely new coaching staff, Berus makes a positive prediction for the team this season.

“Well it’s going to turn out really well, you know we’re in the process right now,” said Berus, who has previously assisted on the Ada High coaching staff. “Everything we experience is brand new as a coaching staff. As players we set an expectation and are in the process of growing through that expectation, but when we talk about the season, it’ll be good.”

Everything the team does every day is preparing them for the season, in hopes of making it into playoffs. Many players, such as senior wide receiver Kylen Cooper, believe that it will be a good season, despite the fact that most of the coaching staff is brand new.

Cooper said, “I want our team to be better than we were last season, and I want us to make playoffs again.”

Supporters of the team have already shown out, packing the stands at their first game against the Ardmore Tigers. The town of Ada has always held the Cougars to a high standard, and this year is no exception. Expectations are high, and both coaches and players are feeling the desire to rise to the challenge.

“This year I’m expecting to raise the bar from our previous years,” said senior quarterback Jackson McFarlane.

McFarlane, who pulls double duty as both the Cougars’ quarterback and kicker, threw for over 1,5oo yards last season and will be stepping back in dual roles again this year.

With a playoff run and a state title in their sights, the Ada Cougars will take the field Friday night carrying with them the hopes of an entire community.