16 Aug 2017 BRYANT: Hornets in contention for 7A Central

Conference: 7A Central
Coach: Buck James
’16 Record: 9-4

In his first year with the program, Buck James led the Bryant Hornets to the 7A semi-finals, and with 14 starters back, the Hornets will be title contenders again this fall.

“I am very proud of how the guys bought into what we were trying to do,” James said. “To go 9-4 and get into the semi-finals of the state playoffs was a great first year for our players and our coaches. I am very proud of the effort that our players and coaches put into our first year of our program.”

Junior Ren Hefley is back quarterback. Senior Kris King and junior Latavian Scott return in the backfield after limited rotation in 2016. Seniors Brandon Murray, Mike Jones and Cameron Vail and juniors Randy Thomas and Josh Robinson lead the receivers. Senior Luke Curtis is back at tight end. Seniors Zak Kemp, Joseph Wyllia and Preston Kyzer and juniors Blaise Smith and Logan Burton project as starters on the offensive line.

“Our offensive expectations will be to throw the ball to run the ball,” James said. “We want to be wide open with a fast tempo.”

Junior Kajuan Robinson, senior Bryce Thomas, senior Conner Davis, senior Johnny Wallace and junior Nate Wallace lead up front on the defensive line. Seniors Brooks Ellis and Antonio Todd and junior Jakob Neel project as starters at linebacker. Vail is a three-year starter at safety. He’s joined by Jones, junior Andrew Hayes and senior Antonio Rice in the secondary.

“Defensively, we want to be stingy and allow less than 17 points a game,” James said. “From top to bottom, the 7A conference should be the toughest in the state.”

5 Players to Watch:
Cameron Vail (Sr. WR/DB)
Mike Jones (Sr. WR/DB)
Kajuan Robinson (Jr. DL)
Zak Kemp (Sr. OL)
Preston Kyzer (Sr. OL)

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1 Must-see Game:
“The Benton game, Salt Bowl, Week 1 at War Memorial Stadium. It showcases Saline County and the two largest football programs on the field and off!” — James

2017 Schedule:
Sept. 2        vs. Benton    
Sept. 8        at Fayetteville
Sept. 15    Lake Hamilton
Sept. 22    at FS Northside
Sept. 29    LR Catholic
Oct. 6        at LR Central
Oct. 13        FS Southside
Oct. 20        at Cabot
Oct. 27        NLR
Nov. 3        at Conway