Ada soccer teams gearing up for 2024 season

Feb. 24—Cole Jones will coach both the Ada High girls and boys soccer teams this spring and he said even though he'll once again have double duty, he's excited about what both teams should bring to the field this spring.

Jones only coached the Lady Cougars last season and guided them to a 9-6 record. Ada was edged 1-0 by Weatherford in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

"I am very excited for both programs this year as they both show great potential," Jones told The Ada News.

The Ada teams will wrap up their preseason scrimmage schedule today with a four-way scrimmage at Noble. Both teams are scheduled to kick off the 2024 season Friday, March 1 back at Noble. The girls' contest is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Ada's first home soccer matches are set for March 4 against Durant.

GIRLS

Jones said the Lady Cougars will have some slots to fill thanks to a good senior group that graduated, but believes he has a number of underclassmen who can step up and fill those voids.

"The girls lost a lot of very key seniors from last year's team, but with the work ethic the team has this year, I am expecting them to pick up right where they left off," Jones said.

"Kennadee Bickerstaff, Nina Benton and Ashley Matzkvech had great years last season and are returning this year to help control the middle of the field," he explained. "Mckayla Rios and Isabella King are returning as seniors this year to contribute to the outside of the field. These five players will be leaders on this team and will help account for our success this year."

The Lady Cougars will compete in District 4A-3 this year which includes Cushing, Ft. Gibson, Mannford, McLoud, Shawnee, Victory Christian and Wagoner.

"We have not seen the majority of these new district teams in the past due to us not being in an Eastern district until now," Jones said. "Overall, the girls continue to work hard and are extremely excited about getting the season kicked off."

BOYS

The Cougars are coming off an 8-7 season in 2023 and came up just short of a postseason berth. But Jones expects the Cougars to be smack dab in the middle of the playoff picture this spring.

"The boys are coming into this year strong. They have shown a ton of growth in the offseason and we are expecting a great year," Jones said. "They have worked very hard and are excited to get the season kicked off."

The district slate mirrors the girl's schedule minus Cushing, which doesn't field a boy's team.

Jones said seniors Agustin Palma and Blake Vick are expected to be forces in the middle of the defense for the Cougars with senior Carlos Morales maintaining one of the edges.

Sophomore Ben Rhynes will be Ada's goalkeeper.

"We're hoping he will pick up where he left off last year. Ben has grown into a phenomenal athlete due to nothing but hard work over the offseason," Jones said.

Jones said seniors Caden Mitchell and Tyler Walker will help control the game from the midfield.

Bryce Wood and senior Emilio Benton are forwards the Cougars will count on.

"Emilio will be a huge target for us. His technique and agility can control the ball for us as we attack," Jones said.