2025 Ada Cougars Football Preview – Presented by Casey Fowler – Shelter Insurance

ADA COUGARS

Coach: WADE BOYLES

8-4

OFFENSE

The Ada Cougars enter the 2025 season with confidence and with a fire to compete for the school’s 20th state championship.  Head coach Wade Boyles says his team’s success is rooted in a strong culture of accountability and relentless effort anchored by a veteran senior class that includes a pair of VYPE Top 100 nominees.

The success of the Cougars offense will be lead by VYPE Top 100 nominee Brock Boyles (6-1, 195, Sr.), a four-year starter at quarterback, who has been a major force for the Cougars throughout his career. “A rare four-year starter, Brock has left an undeniable mark on the field, setting multiple school records and consistently performing at a high level against top competition,” said Boyles “His athletic talent is elite, but what truly sets Brock apart is who he is off the field.” He’s joined by standout wide receiver Deante Lindsay (6-2, 170, Sr.), who tallied 859 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Lakievin Richardson (5-11, 170, Sr.) adds another explosive weapon on the outside. “Offensively, we’ll operate out of a spread philosophy designed to maximize space, tempo, and matchups,” said Boyles. “With a strong core of returning starters, we’re looking to efficiently distribute the ball and keep defenses on their heels.”

In the backfield, Caron Richardson (6-0, 215, Sr.) brings a physical presence and experience as a featured ball carrier that will have a solid offensive front of protection including another VYPE Top 100 pick and D-I commit to the University of Memphis Dawson Matthews (6-5, 285, Sr.), a returning starter who brings leadership and toughness in the trenches. “Dawson defines the unsung hero contributions of an offensive lineman including toughness and selfless leadership,” said the Ada coach. “He displays a team-first leadership character and sets the tone everyday with his work ethic and physicality that makes others around strive to get better.”

Tight ends Owen Wofford (6-6, 230, Sr.) and Kyler Gaddis (6-3, 200, Sr.) round out a group that looks to keep defenses off balance with tempo and one-on-one matchups.

DEFENSE

Defensively, Ada returns eight starters to a unit that prides itself on physicality and discipline. “Defensively, we base out of a 4-3 scheme that emphasizes physicality up front, discipline at the second level, and speed across the board,” said Boyles. “Our goal is to control the line of scrimmage, fly to the football, and force offenses into mistakes.”

Linebacker Kelton Stipe (5-8, 180, Sr.) returns as a tone-setter with over six tackles per game and nine tackles for loss last season joined by Eli Justus (5-10, 190, Sr.) who totaled 67 tackles last season including eight stops for minus yardage to add experience and pressure on the edge. In the secondary, Deante Lindsay is back after snagging five interceptions and making 51 tackles. Camariee Richardson (6-0, 160, Jr.) is another key returner with 37 tackles and two interceptions.

Ada has added several new athletes from other sports to build quality depth on both sides of the football. When added with the experience they have returning, the Cougars are looking forward to a great season ahead.

8-29 – at Durant

9-5 – vs. Ardmore

9-12 – vs. McAlester

9-26 – at McLain

10-3 – at Poteau

10-10 – vs. Hilldale

10-16 – vs. Stilwell

10-24 – at Broken Bow

10-31 – vs. Glenpool

11-7 – at Sallisaw