Up to task
Through its first two games, Bryant hasn’t had a state-championship hangover. Coach Buck James, who led Bryant to the Class 7A state title last season, said he is pleased with how the Hornets have looked in nonconference play so far this season.
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.
“Our kids understand the process and what it takes,” James said.
The Hornets will get their first true road game Friday as they head to Fayetteville to face a Bulldogs team they’re familiar with in the James tenure at Bryant since 2016.
Bryant is 3-2 against Fayetteville since 2016, but is 1-2 in the regular season. The Bulldogs topped the Hornets 36-35 at Bryant last season before the Hornets won in the Class 7A quarterfinals, also at home, 28-25.
Under first-year coach and former University of Arkansas quarterback Casey Dick, Fayetteville has been led by senior Connor Flannigan. Flannigan has caught 13 passes for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns this season.
Fayetteville’s two quarterbacks — seniors Hank Gibbs and Quinn McClain – have a combined seven touchdown passes. Gibbs is 28-of-51 passing for 318 yards with 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, while McClain has gone 6-of-11 passing for 168 yards with 2 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
“They’re pretty good,” James said of the Bulldogs’ offense. “They’re probably as good as I’ve seen from them at this time of the year.”
Bryant junior quarterback Austin Ledbetter has passed for 618 yards and six touchdowns this season. He’s thrown for three scoring passes in each of Bryant’s first two games.
“He’s done a great job,” James said. “The offensive line has done a good job of protecting him. Our receivers have caught the ball well.
“Austin has a chance to be a really good high school quarterback before he’s done here.”
Bryant can go 3-0 for the first time since 2017 with a victory Friday before opening 7A-Central Conference play Sept. 27 at Fort Smith Northside.
“We have to keep playing well,” James said. “We can’t have a lot of turnovers. We can’t break down in our kicking game. We have to run the football.
“If we don’t play well, then we don’t have any chance of beating them.”