Central Arkansas Game of the Week: Bryant at LR Catholic

Bryant cruised through the preseason, Little Rock Catholic hit some speed bumps. Both hope to prove they belong in the upper echelon of the 7A Central when they meet Friday night at War Memorial Stadium in the VYPE Central Arkansas Game of the Week. Bryant started its season battling Hurricane Gustav and Benton, drumming the Panthers 36-12 and followed it with a 35-0 blowout of Sheridan. Then came a 17-14 victory at winless defending 6A champion Texarkana last week. The trio owns a combined 2-7 record. Regardless, the 7A coaches recognized the fast start and ranked the Hornets No. 8 in the VYPE Coaches' Poll. Bryant senior quarterback Ethan Powell injured his knee in the spring game, forcing sophomores Jimi Easterling and Blake Davidson to share the job. Hornets' coach Paul Calley worried about his offense, but junior running back Chris Rycraw stepped up with three straight 100-yard rushing games. Senior safety Dijon Benton intercepted four passes, including three in the Benton game, helping a stingy defense give up just 14 points the past two games. Catholic (1-2) played a much tougher slate. The Rockets opened with No. 1-ranked Fort Smith Southside and lost 22-14. A week later, Catholic evened its record with a 26-21 win at Benton. Last week, the Rockets fell behind 21-0 at Fort Smith Northside, but came back only to fall 48-42. Rockets junior quarterback Taylor Bartlett started as a sophomore and has improved to help the potent Rocket attack. Bartlett passed for 279 yard and four touchdowns and ran for two more scores last week. Senior linebacker Hunter Korte, who returned an interception for a touchdown paces a young defense. Senior punter Tyler Campbell committed to play for Houston Nutt at Ole Miss. The VYPE staff will hand out magazines before the game and partner Fox 16 will broadcast live at 5 and 5:30 p.m. and during the Friday Night Tailgate show at 10 p.m.