Return of the Trojans: How Can the Trojans Win a Nationally Ranked Showdown?
The Trojan defense lines up against Union on September 12, 2025
By: Marie Catterson
On Friday, September 25th, blinding lights will illuminate the field, and cheers will erupt from the stands as the Jenks Trojans step onto the field, ready to take on who most say is their biggest rival: the Bixby Spartans. The yearly ritual of a brutal battle on-field occurs this time with both teams nationally ranked: Jenks ranked #25 and Bixby ranked #2, according to on3.com’s rankings.
Rarely do Oklahoma teams break the top 25-let alone two at the same time-a statistic that only elevates an already intense game. This, combined with intense preparation in practice and the eagerness to beat the 3-time 6A-1 State Champions, shows that the Trojans are prepared to take Bixby down.
“It’d mean a lot, especially with all the seniors; we haven’t won in a couple years, so it motivates me,” said junior quarterback Landon Kizzar. “They’re the team to beat just because they’ve won state so many years in a row, but I think we have the team to win.”
Junior Landon Kizzar looks down the field to find a teammate to pass to up the lead against Union.
The Good Old Days
Players aren’t the only ones anxious to beat the Spartans. The community of Jenks has patiently been waiting for a win against the team since the historic night of November 3, 2022, when the Trojans destroyed Bixby’s 58-game winning streak on national television. But most Varsity players have never won a game against Bixby, with only a handful of them being on the team when Jenks took the victory.
And while some are putting extra pressure on the team, Senior Rhett Pangburn believes that the secret to winning is to treat this game like any other.
“We try to act like we’re 0-0, like we don't have a 3-0 record,” said the defensive tackle and end. “But it will definitely show where we’re at. Not as much beating them, but proving how good we are and where we’re at in the season.”
Road to Victory
Special teams Coach Landis Morris is taking a similar approach to help his group of players contribute to the team. Special teams are players that are involved in kickoff, punts, and field goals. These players include kickers, blockers, long snappers, and others that are crucial parts of the group.
“I believe the toughest game of the year is always the next one. Being focused on a certain team all year will leave you with let downs against other opponents,” said Coach Morris.
Junior Cade Hodges, senior Ace Gillam and teammates rally the crowd after a stop on the Union offense. “Once the game actually starts, we try to juice it up,” said senior Rhett Pangburn.
Photo Credits: Dillan Cox
Preparation is key for a tough target, and the Trojan football team takes all week to analyze how the other team works and finalize a gameplan. From Sunday afternoons with film to extra-long practices, Trojan football is no stranger to hard work.
These different aspects help develop the best possible way to take on all upcoming opponents. Watching film gives the team a chance to see how the other team works, and two-hour practices simulate plays to push the offense and defense in real time, allowing them to adjust if needed.
“It is important to give the players multiple ways of learning from picture,” said Coach Morris. "From my voice, to walkthrough, to reps against look squad, then to a Friday night.”
With humble attitudes, intense preparation, and insightful coaching, the Jenks Trojans are ready to tackle Bixby and relive that glorious feeling of defeating a life-long rival.
