GAMES
RANKINGS
Bryant quarterback Austin Ledbetter has led the Hornets to a 2-0 record this season. The defending Class 7A champions will travel to Fayetteville on Friday to face the Bulldogs.
ARKANSAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Hornets up to task early on
Per The Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Through its first two games, Bryant hasn't had a state-championship hangover.
The Hornets posted victories against Class 6A state runner-up and Saline County rival Benton in the Salt Bowl, 42-14, on Aug. 30, and Class 7A state semifinalist Bentonville West 38-0 last Friday.
Bryant Coach Buck James is pleased with how the Hornets have looked in nonconference play so far.
"We've played hard. We've played well," James said. "I think we've played as well in the first two games as any of the teams I've coached.
"They've been smart about what they're supposed to do. These guys have done one heck of a job getting ready to play.
"In the offseason and leading up to their first game, James told the Hornets that they'll have a target on their back since they're the defending Class 7A state champions.
So far, the Hornets have responded well to their coach's message.
To continue reading the article please check out The Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
Bryant receiver Jake Meaders runs away from Bentonville West free safety Maddox Thornton for a touchdown Friday at Hornet Stadium in Bryant. Bryant won 38-0
Bryant explodes in rout of West
Per the Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Bentonville West Coach Bryan Pratt wasn't of the mind to make excuses after losing 38-0 to top-ranked Bryant, the defending Class 7A champion.
Pratt could have gone on about the bus ride of 4 hours, 15 minutes from Northwest Arkansas, a day that started at 10:45 Friday morning.
But none of that really mattered, Pratt said.
Bryant, playing with the poise and physicality of a defending champion, led 35-0 at halftime, and the second half was played with a running clock in accordance to the Arkansas Activities Association sportsmanship rule.
"They're a legit No. 1 team," Pratt said of Bryant. "Right now, they're the best team we've played in a long time. They can just do it all. They can run it, they can throw it, they can play great defense. They really put you in tough situations."
To continue reading the article please check out the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.