Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Battle of state’s top two big game for both
North Little Rock Coach Jamie Mitchell knows today’s 7A-Central Conference showdown between his No. 1 Charging Wildcats and No. 2 Bryant is a big game.
But Mitchell tried to keep it in perspective Thursday.
“It’s not the Super Bowl. It’s not the state championship game,” Mitchell said.
However, the game between North Little Rock (8-0, 5-0) and Bryant (7-1, 5-0) has helped determine the past two 7A-Central championships, both won by North Little Rock.
Bryant Coach Buck James said the Hornets have had a sense of urgency this week, considering who they’re taking on today.
“I think they’re ready to try to compete and play with these guys,” James said. “It’s been a little lopsided. But they’ve been better.”
North Little Rock, which owns the state’s longest winning streak at 21 games, has outscored its opponents 321152 and has scored at least 35 points in each of its five 7A-Central games.
“We’ve got a lot of momentum,” Mitchell said. “Our kids are confident in what we do. Our guys really look forward to every Friday night. It’s turned into a deal where they can’t wait to get here. It’s been a really unique thing.
“It’s the most talented team since I’ve been here. Not necessarily the best team, but the most talented team.”
James calls the defending Class 7A state champions the best team the Hornets will play this season.
“They’re big and strong,” James said. “They play with great discipline. They’re wellcoached and a hard-nosed football team.
“I can’t find a play on film where there is one loaf. They play very unselfish football. They play team football.”
The Charging Wildcats have arguably the best running back group in the state with seniors Oscar Adaway and Tyler Day and junior Brandon Thomas. Thomas leads North Little Rock in rushing yards with 919 and has 6 touchdowns. Day has scored a team-high 14 touchdowns to go along with 792 rushing yards. Adaway has 616 rushing yards and 8 scores.
“We have to tackle them. It’s that simple,” James said. “They run real hard. They’re very fast and strong. They have great vision. They carry the ball with passion. Also, their offensive line does a good job of knocking people off the ball.
“They’ve got the right mentality.”
Bryant, led by senior quarterback Ren Hefley and senior running back Latavion Scott, has won five in a row since losing Sept. 14 to Fayetteville at home 36-35.
“They’re as good as anybody we’ve played,” Mitchell said. “They’re the most complete football team in every aspect of the game. They’re rock solid. They’ve made huge strides over the last year and a half.”
Both Bryant and North Little Rock played tough nonconference schedules leading up to 7A-Central play. In addition to Fayetteville, Bryant also played Saline County rival and Class 6A contender Benton and Class 7A Bentonville West. North Little Rock took on three out-of-state teams — Tulsa Booker T. Washington, Shreveport Evangel Christian and Memphis Whitehaven.
“Getting through that stretch, we literally hoped to win one of the three,” Mitchell said. “We went 3-0. It launched us into a confident group.”
James wanted to play a tough nonconference schedule so the Hornets would be ready for teams such as North Little Rock.
“We played a great schedule for this very reason,” James said.