NFL Films Eyeing Jenks-Union Rivalry

A national cable network is courting a local football rivalry. The storied Jenks-Union match-up could be the subject of a one-hour documentary for the cable network, Versus. NFL films has pitched the

Monday, August 27th 2007, 8:55 pm

By: News On 6

A national cable network is courting a local football rivalry. The storied Jenks-Union match-up could be the subject of a one-hour documentary for the cable network, Versus. NFL films has pitched the idea to both school districts, Union's school board agreed Monday to do the documentary. And as The News On 6â€™s Ashli Sims reports, they're discussing a contract that could take the cross-town clash, cross-country.

The pep rallies are theatrical productions, the fans are relentless and the games are epic. Union and Jenks transcended the gridiron, it's practically a legend. Now the cross-town clash has captured the attention of NFL films.

With Jenks and Union's okay, the Backyard Bowl could be broadcast to more than 90-million living rooms across the country. The match-up would be the inaugural show of a new series about high school football rivalries. The Trojans and Redskins would kick off the series, because the documentary's producer says in the last ten years, there's no bigger high school rivalry than Union versus Jenks.

All the hype helps, the game has been featured in â€œUSA Todayâ€ and â€œSports Illustrated,â€ and it's not the first time someone thought the story could attract a broader audience. Two local filmmakers made a movie for the big screen about the match-up called "King of the Mountain."

It remains to be seen who will come out on top on the field. But in the world of cable television, the Jenks-Union rivalry is a winner. And with the school boards okay, the touchdowns could be seen again, long after the Friday night lights go out.

Jenks School Board is scheduled to vote on the contract later this week. If they approve it the documentary's producer says he will start filming in Tulsa, next week.

Watch the video: School Boards Voting On Jenks-Union Rivalry Documentary