The State Football Championship for 6A-1 has two state senators placing a friendly wager on the outcome. Norman North and Tulsa Union will face off this Friday to claim the title. Senators Rob Standridge and Dave Rader are looking for the rivalry to benefit the school in their respective district.
Standridge represents the district in which Norman North is located. Tulsa Union belongs to Rader’s district. The loser will donate $100 to the winning school’s education foundation.
“Norman North was ranked third when they went up against second-ranked Tulsa Union in October, and we pulled off a 30-27 upset,” Standridge said. “Now we’re ranked number one and we are going to win the state championship.”
Rader isn’t afraid to challenge the second-term Norman senator. Both his sons played football at Union, and he says history and tradition are on their side.
“Since 1992, Tulsa area schools have dominated Class 6A and 6A-1 football. Western Oklahoma teams have only won three times in all those years, but Union won the state championship seven times,” Rader said. “I predict 2016 will make it eight.”
Both senators are trying to bring awareness to private foundations for school districts. Donations are tax-deductible and can help schools bridge gaps in the budget.
The 6A-1 Championship game is being played at the University of Tulsa. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. December 2.
