Game preview: Ada at Southeast

Ada (1-2) at Southeast (3-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: C.B. Speegle Stadium

Last week: Ada got its first win, 63-6 over US Grant. Southeast stayed unbeaten with a 31-6 win over Capitol Hill.

Why Ada could win: Southeast hasn’t faced a team that can run the ball the way Ada can, led by Nathan Blakely at 289 yards through three games. Yes, Ada has lost twice, but those losses were to a pair of top 10 teams, Ardmore and McAlester. So the 1-2 record shouldn’t suggest that this team is a slouch.

Why SE could win: This team is playing with as much confidence as they’ve had in these players’ careers. Jay Gogue keeps the offense moving with his rushing ability, and the defense has been solid from the start. This team is looking to make some noise in this district, and this would be a good opportunity to get people to take notice.

Key matchup: Southeast defensive front vs. Ada run game. Ada doesn’t like to throw the ball much, so if Southeast can slow the rushing attack, it forces the Cougars into a type of game they don’t want to play. But if Ada moves the ball on the ground, it falls right into their game plan.

The pick: Ada 34, Southeast 27. I’m not completely counting Southeast out of this one, but I think Ada will have too much size and depth for the Spartans.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com