TULSA-Union High School played host to the Stan Martin Gridiron Classic featuring defending Class 6A-II champion Stillwater, who faced Bentonville (Arkansas) and Springdale Har-Ber (Arkansas) in their scrimmages. 

Head coach Chad Cawood said the level of competition at Union was top notch. 

“Obviously, you never want a tie, but we got good quality reps on both sides of the ball. We played 20 kids on offense, so we got good looks on a lot of kids. Playing that many gave us the opportunity to get in a lot of good work on both sides of the ball. When you go to something like that you get to see top notch talent,” said Cawood. 

Offensively the Pioneers looked sharp. Talon Kendrick continues to be a standout player for Stillwater. 

“Kendrick had a TD reception on offense and an interception on defense. Talon (Kendrick) carries a big load for us and was once again a standout player. A junior for us, Tan Booth, who plays strong safety made a ton of plays. He had a rushing TD on offense as well. One guy we were excited to see back is Holden Thompson. Thompson missed last year, and this was his real first action back. Great to see that young man out there making plays,” said Cawood. 

With the scrimmages behind them, the Pioneers are preparing for week 0 and a familiar foe from Arkansas. 

“Week 0 we go to Greenwood, Arkansas to play a program that competes for the gold ball every year in Arkansas. It’s a tradition rich program and it will be a tough ball game. They came to Stillwater last year and it’s always a competitive game,” said Cawood. 

Last season the Pioneers defeated Greenwood, 41-27.