05 Aug 2016 BRYANT: Hornets vying for 7A Central title
Conference: 7A Central
Coach: Buck James
’15 Record: 9-2
The Bryant Hornets ran the table against 7A teams in 7A/6A Central play last fall, earning the 7A Central title. After a first-round bye in the 7A playoffs, the Hornets fell to eventual champion Fayetteville.
Gunnar Burks — a 501 Football Team honoree in 2015 — graduated in May, leaving a vacancy at quarterback. The job is up for grabs between senior Landon Smith and juniors Michael Jones, Tristan Calhoun and Cameron Vail. Senior DeAmonte Terry is back at running back after leading the Hornets in rushing yards last fall. Seniors Austin Kelly and Dalton Daniels; juniors Jakalon Pittman and Luke Curtis; and sophomores Randy Thomas and Grant Botti are Bryant’s top receiving threats. The Hornets are replacing all offensive line positions because of graduation. Linemen include seniors Larae Williams, Chandler Davis, Chase Fox and Noah Easterling; and juniors Kobi Riffe, Zak Kemp, Preston Kyzer and James McClendon. Senior Hayden Ray is back at kicker.
Seniors Hayden Knowles, Madre Dixon, Avery Everett and D.J. Buckner; and juniors Bryce Thomas and Johnny Wallace lead a deep defensive line. Seniors Marvin Moody, Nathan Mayes, Phillip Isom-Green and Brendon Haynes; and juniors Antonio Todd, Brooks Ellis, Nick Smith and Cazzie Pringle fill out the linebacker rotation. Jones, senior Devon Davis, senior Colin Welch, senior Caylin Allen, junior Tyler Woods and junior James Polite lead a talented group of defensive backs.
5 Players to Watch:
Michael Jones (Jr. QB/DB)
DeAmonte Terry (Sr. RB)
Austin Kelly (Sr. WR)
D.J. Buckner (Sr. DL)
Phillip Isom-Green (Sr. LB)
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1 Must-see Game:
“So many good options. Fayetteville, Cabot and Conway all at home. Take your pick.” — 501 staff
2016 Schedule:
Sept. 2 vs. Benton
Sept. 9 Fayetteville
Sept. 16 at Lake Hamilton
Sept. 23 FS Northside
Sept. 30 at LR Catholic
Oct. 7 LR Central
Oct. 14 at FS Southside
Oct. 21 Cabot
Oct. 28 at North LR
Nov. 4 Conway
