TULSA, Okla. — Union High School opened up its season at its renovated football stadium on Friday when they hosted Lake Ridge, Texas for the Friday Night Live Game of the Week.
"It's amazing," Union head coach Kirk Fridrich told 2 News Oklahoma when asked about the new stadium.
"It's given a lot of energy to our football staff, not just our kids, but our staff to have such a blessing to give back to these kids is pretty neat."
Union handled the visitors from Texas easily, jumping out to a 24-0 lead early thanks in part to two interceptions from Makhai Belt.
.@UnionFootball is off to a nice start in 2021.
Playing in the beautifully renovated stadium, @makhaiiii had two big first half interceptions as Union ran out to a 24-0 halftime lead in our FNL Game of the Week.@KJRH2HD pic.twitter.com/YAH6fck2D6
— Cayden McFarland (@caydenmc) August 28, 2021
They'd go on to beat Lake Ridge 48-20.
>> High School Football Week 0 Scores
The stadium has been in the works for the last two seasons, with renovations made to the east and west stands, and new turf laid on the field.
A new video display board and scored boards are expected to be installed in 2022.
>>Photos: Union opens renovated stadium in season-opener hosting Lake Ridge
Union had a tough start and a strong finish to last season -- finishing with a 6-6 overall record -- as its young core developed into what is now a seasoned group of veterans returning to this year's squad.
The team has the majority of its starters on offense back including quarterback Grayson Tempest and 10 of 11 returning defensive started including Matthias Roberson and De’Marion Thomas.
The win over Lake Ridge could give Union momentum ahead of a brutal stretch to start the season for Union with their next three games playing host to Broken Arrow, Jenks and Owasso.
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