Union Football: Fridrich, Players Previews Jenks

It's almost an inevitability every football season, but that doesn't make it any less thrilling to see Union vs. Jenks postseason edition.

"It's always a little bit different,” said Redskin Jordan Starks. “Everybody has a pep in their step. Everybody's a little more focused."

Defensive end Devon Bajek added, "This is it for all the seniors. This is the last time to be able to play Jenks."

Head Coach Kirk Fridrich says the matchup speaks for itself.

And, it's true.

Each of the last 20 6A-I state championships have come from either the Redskins or Trojans. But, Jenks has won the last four and Union wants to snap that streak.

"We're always excited when we play those guys,” Starks stated.

Jenks took the regular season matchup, but Union says now, they're a different team.

“We've really come together as a group of guys that know how to work and how to do things the right way,” said Bajek.

So, with the eyes of the state and most likely a large portion of the nation focused on this game Friday night, the obvious question is how do you keep things normal? How do you stay in routine? For these guys, they say this game is normal, this game is routine, and that routine almost gives a sense of comfort.

"This is somewhat normal for them, to have this game,” said Fridrich. “They expected to play Jenks again in the playoffs, so I don't think there's a whole lot of difference in our preparation."

Starks added, "We're not taking anything for granted. We're on a high. We've been able to go back and watch the film some, see our mistakes. Just a little more level-headed."

Bajek describes the game as "tradition” and says Union and Jenks are two schools that should always be battling for a chance at a state title.