Amid Injuries, Turnovers One Union Linebacker Steps Up To Lead

District football begins for Union on Friday in Owasso against the Rams for the News On 6 Tulsa Tech Game of the Week. 

Injuries and turnovers have plagued the Redskins, but it's also allowed several players to step up.

Even with three straight losses to start the year, Union isn't backing down from the defending state champs and winners of 16 straight games.

Head Coach Kirk Fridrich is doing all he can to motivate his team

"Obviously, we are trying to regroup,” Fridrich said. “Our guys have not flinched. We know that week 11 is where it starts, and we are trying to be the best football team we can be at week 11."

"We have nothing to lose and we are going to play hard and see what we can do,” said Union linebacker Shane Fields.

You might think that the general on the field is the quarterback, but that’s not necessarily the case for Union.

"It’s always been a dream to start here, I just worked hard,” Fields said. “It means a lot to me I will take that to my grave."

Senior Fields has played five different positions on defense and he has become Mr. Reliable for Fridrich.

"Couldn't be more proud of really the leadership he has shown, but also just the intelligence that he adds to the defense,” Fridrich said.

This is Fields' first year as a starter. He said he hasn't heard much from his coach, but that's a good thing.

"He has trust in me on the field,” Fields said. “He doesn't talk to me much; he knows I can get what I need to get done."