Jenks scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to beat Union 49-31 in the 23rd annual MidFirst Bank Backyard Bowl on Friday, Sept. 25, at Union Tuttle Stadium.

Senior running back Clark Cariker scored three touchdowns for the Trojans, and quarterback Landon Kizzar connected with Jaylon Cato on a 50-yard strike that swung momentum early in the second half. Both teams finished with 391 yards of total offense, according to Tulsa World sports editor Barry Lewis on X.

The game doubled as a District 6A-I District 2 opener, the first district meeting between the two programs since 1997. Jenks entered 1-2. Union came in at 0-3, according to a Union Public Schools preview.

Union set the tone early. The Redhawks took the opening kickoff and drove 10 plays before Jenks blocked a 32-yard field goal attempt. Union still led 7-0 after the first quarter, outgaining Jenks 109 yards to 67.

Cariker tied it 7-7 on a 1-yard run with 10:52 left in the second quarter. A catch by tight end Braxton Daniel set up the score. Union kicker Isaac Mooney drilled a 26-yard field goal as time expired in the half to give the Redhawks a 17-14 lead. Union held a 279-144 yardage advantage at the break.

Jenks outscored Union 35-14 after halftime. On the third snap of the second half, Kizzar launched a 50-yard touchdown pass to Cato, putting the Trojans ahead 21-17.

Union fought back and led 31-28 entering the fourth quarter. Then Jenks took over. Cariker's third touchdown run made it 35-31 with 9:11 remaining. The Trojans piled on 14 more points to close the game. Cam Clinton added an interception on defense.

Senior linebacker and team captain Pearce Brann hoisted the Backyard Bowl trophy after the final whistle, in Tulsa World photos from the game.

Jenks entered the 74th meeting leading the series 47-25-1, according to News On 6, and now leads 48-25-1. The two programs have combined for 23 state titles since 1996.

"One of the best rivalries in the nation. Not just Oklahoma, but across the country," Jenks head coach Adam Gaylor said Thursday, Sept. 24, in a preview interview with News On 6.

Jenks hosts Owasso on Friday, Oct. 2.