When and Where:
4A #2 Ada (10-3) vs. 4A #1 Heritage Hall (13-0)
December 1 (Fri) 7:00 PM
Choctaw High School

Coverage:
Livestreamed on NFHS Network ($10/month, nfhsnetwork.com; free; facebook.com/nfhsnetworklive)
*Due to current OSSAA media contracts, the ChargerVision student crew is not permitted to broadcast live or record a production of the game.

Most Recent Matchup:
For the second time in the playoffs, Heritage Hall will square off with an unfamiliar opponent as the two teams have never played before. Unlike the Broken Bow game, this matchup between the Chargers and the Ada Cougars will be in the 2017 Class 4A State Championship, the perfect stage for an epic first battle.

Player Spotlight:
Ada's offense boasts multiple playmakers, but their most effective one this season has typically been wide receiver Kylen Cooper. The athletic senior is a big time deep threat for the Cougars. Cooper is a large reason Ada averages over 30 points per game. Standing tall at 6'2, uses his length to catch jump balls downfield and forces opponents to send two defenders in his direction on most plays. In Ada's semifinal game against Bethany, Cooper hauled in four passes for 112 yards (over 90% of the Cougars' receiving yards for the game) and a pair of touchdowns to lead their squad to victory. It will surely be a tough task for Charger defensive back Chandler Shapard and company to keep Cooper in check this Friday.

Cougars quarterback Jackson McFarlane has also been a major cog in the team's offense in 2017. McFarlane uses his legs and arm well, and put his dual-threat skills on full display. In what was a total defensive grudge match last weekend, McFarlane still managed to record 165 total yards and three touchdowns.

Overview:
Although Ada's offense can put up points in a hurry, the clutch Cougar defense has been the key to their surprising playoff run. The unit got off to a shaky start to begin the year, however, but largely due to Ada's tough schedule which included 5A powers Ardmore and Carl Albert. Since those first two games, the defense has turned it around. In last weekend's game, the Ada defense allowed 22 points, but played well in crunch time, forcing multiple turnovers and a making a goal line stand late in the game. McFarlane even stated after the game that his team had "the best defense in 4A." The Chargers have heard that song before, as Blanchard boasted about having the best scoring defense in the class. Using that for motivation, The Hall's offense torched the Lions for 37 points, and the Charger defense held the Lions to just 7 points. Blake Adams had an outstanding game, throwing for 308 yards and four touchdowns on 19/27 passing. He also added 62 yards and another score with his legs. On the other side of the ball, the Charger defense was just as good as it has been all season long, as they allowed the Lions just 174 total yards. If the Heritage Hall's defense neutralizes Ada's big play threat and performs like they have lately, the Chargers should be able to hoisting the program's sixth Gold Ball when the final buzzer sounds.

Article by Jake LeForce '19
Photos by Jake Steelman '19 / More on Flickr