UNION REDHAWKS
KIRK FRIDRICH
11-2
OFFENSE
Following a tough loss in the 2021 6A-I championship game to crosstown rival Jenks, the Union Redhawks look to rebound in 2022, and have their eyes on the prize. Grayson Tempest (5-11, 155, Sr.) returns as a two-year starter at quarterback, and with quarterback depth from other underclassmen, including Jenks transfer Shaker Reisig (So.). Reisig led the Trojans over Union in the state championship last year, and now joins a fierce competition that should lead to a solid season. As a sophomore, and proven winner with composure, the sky’s the limit for Reisig who is already on college radars. Deon McKinney (Sr.) and Dae’Mar Nealy (Jr.) have both shown promise in the offseason and should produce significant numbers out of the backfield. Returning players Bennett Ringleb (6-5, 265, Sr.) and Emric Moore (Sr.) provide a veteran presence on the offensive line while Jesse Jones Jr. (So.) leads a group of players looking to fill the other starting positions on the offensive line. Lane Wood (Jr.) returns as a versatile tight end and Braylen Irvin-Fisher (Sr.) and David Cole (Sr.) allow the Redhawks to play with multiple tight end sets when needed. Gage Arthur (5-10, 150, Sr.) and Jino Boyd (Jr.) return at wide receiver and will be joined with others like Brendon McQueen (Jr.), Braylen Danzy (Jr.), and Jeremiah Banks (Sr.). The Redhawks will have a high-powered offense in 2022 and can attack in a variety of ways. Union has big expectations coming into the new season and are looking to make another deep run into the playoffs.
DEFENSE
Only four starters return on defense for the Redhawks, but the coaches know their team will come out ready to play. “It will be a test on defense early in the season,” Fridrich said, but he remains optimistic. “The offseason in our new weight room has been the best we have had in a few years. Using the momentum of the new stadium and being back in the finals last year has brought a lot of energy to our program. Spring practice showed me that we have the potential to be a solid team. A challenging early schedule should allow us to see how far we have grown.” De’Marion Thomas (6-4, 330, Sr.) is the core of the defensive line. As a VYPE Top 100 player, Thomas recently committed to Vanderbilt and is billed as a three-star recruit heading into his senior year. Look for him to have another productive season while terrorizing opposing lines and forcing double teams. Bryce Ashlock (6-0, 200, Sr.) and Irvin-Fisher return as starters at linebacker and should have another impactful year. The secondary is led by Devin Robinson (Sr.) who has been receiving interest from D-1 programs and is a tremendous athlete. Thomas Gothard (Sr.) and Devon Jordan (Jr.) have been productive in the offseason and should have a solid year in 2022. “This has been a very fun group to coach,” Fridrich said. “I look forward to watching them work during the 2022 season.”
8-26 – vs. Westmoore
9-2 – at Broken Arrow
9-9 – vs. Jenks
9-23 – at Owasso
9-30 – vs. Yukon
10-6 – at Norman
10-13 – at Mustang
10-20 – vs. Edmond Santa Fe
10-28 – vs. Edmond Memorial
11-3 – at Edmond North
