Jenks Junior Looks To Continue Family Tradition With State Title

Jenks and Santa Fe clash for a 6A-1 title Saturday afternoon at UCO.

It’s been five years since the Trojans last raised a gold ball, and for one Jenks family, that tradition looks to continue this weekend.     

The Jenks Trojans own 17 state championships but none in the last five years, and last season, they watched Owasso bring home the title. That was Alijah Brown's first year on the varsity and the junior nose guard hopes to snap that losing streak to bring some hardware.

"Last year’s loss was really hard,” Brown said. “I'm very fortunate to get another chance at this, I can't say it’s always guaranteed but we are just very fortunate."

The State championship is a family tradition. His uncle has a ring, his brother has two and his sister also has two championships after being a trainer. So, for Brown, it’s win or go home time.

"I’m trying to connect them and be in that picture to,” Brown said. “It’s been my goal to keep pushing my team to get to that point."

Brown might not be making the highlight reel himself, but he is the perfect setup man for his defense.

"Our job isn't the prettiest, we have to setup the plays for the linebackers so they can do what they do best and if we can cut the snake off at the head, we can win,” Brown said.

The defensive specialist understands nothing is guaranteed but is just glad to be a part of a history making program.

"How many juniors can say they had a huge part to play not one but two of them,” Brown said. “I'm hoping for a third."