Rose hopes Carl Albert isn't overconfident

By Jason Kersey
jkersey@oklahoman.com 

Even the 64-9 rout Carl Albert put on Ada doesn’t make Gary Rose comfortable going into his team’s Week 2 game against the Cougars.

The blowout was one of the more surprising final scores of the season. I remember being taken back when I read that score in the paper last year, because I know Ada is always a good team. The Cougars did make the playoffs last year.

Rose is concerned that game might make his team too relaxed going into this year’s game.

“The only thing (last year’s score) will add is overconfidence,” Rose said. “And that’s my biggest fear (about the game).”

Rose was also quick to mention that last year’s game didn’t get out of hand until the second half. Carl Albert’s lead was just 14-0 late in the second quarter when Ada dropped a tailback pass that would have likely been a touchdown.

Carl Albert running back David Oku is off to an incredible start, rushing for 289 yards and four touchdowns in the Titans’ Week 1, 34-14 win over Tulsa Washington. Ada gave up 238 yards on the ground in its opening loss to Ardmore, but Rose said the Ada defense is more disciplined than Washington’s.

“Ada’s a lot better technique wise and discipline wise than (Tulsa Washington),” Rose said. “(Ada makes) up for their lack of size with their discipline and technique.”

I think Carl Albert can probably be confident going into this one. Beating a talented Tulsa Washington team like Carl Albert did last week shows me that the Titans are going to be tough this year for everyone. Especially with a running back like David Oku.