Page 4 - Demo

4TT
BRYANT HORNETS
SUNDAY,SEPTEMBER 2, 2018 | TRI-LAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Bryant senior receiver Josh Robinson, left, makes a play after a catch during practice.
Hornet sophomore receiver Albert Reddick shakes off a defender during practice.
PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MANNING/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
After 2 runs at semifinals, Bryant wants in on title game
BY NATE OLSON
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Bryant’s two deepest playoff runs in
school history have come under third-year coach Buck James, who is hopeful that his Hornets will land in
the Class 7A state-title game this year for the first time.
“We are blessed to have a lot of talent on this team, and we have a chance to be very good, but we could be very good and still not have a great record because of the schedule we play,” James said. “We are going to be tested, but we feel good about our team.”
Senior Ren Hefley (6-2, 190) began 2017 as a starter but broke his collarbone in Week 6. Hefley (4.2 grade-point average, 30 ACT), who was elected class president, returned in Week 12 and finished 129 of 221 with 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns with only 4 interceptions for the season.
Junior Jake Meaders (5-11, 165) started five games under center, and thanks to assistant coach Kirk Bock’s tutelage, Bryant “didn’t miss a beat” with Meaders (32 ACT). He passed for 244 yards and a TD at Cabot and 269 yards and 3 scores against Conway.
James said Hefley has regained his place
BRYANT HORNETS
AUG. 25 ........................................... BENTON
emerged during the 7-on-7 season as a play- maker, the coach said. Sophomore River Gregory (5-10, 165) lines up in the slot where classmate Hayden Schrader (6-1, 185) also worked at receiver in the spring.
Butler will play in the other slot when he’s not in the backfield. Senior Grant Botti (6-0, 200) struggled with injuries last year but should be at full strength this year and will see time, James said. Senior Brandon Jett (5-10, 165) impresses with exact routes and will contrib- ute more this year. Junior Jaeger Burks (5-8, 140) will also compete for time in fall camp, the coach said.
The Hornets return a strong, experienced line unit, James said. Senior all-state tackle Blaise Smith (6-2, 290) is a three-year starter and bench-presses 410 pounds. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has made an offer to Smith, who squats 600 pounds, the coach said.
Senior Jake Burton (6-3, 305), who lost 30 pounds and bench presses 330 pounds, takes over at guard after logging most of his experi- ence on the JV squad.
Seniors Josh Stevens (5-9, 285) and Austin Trimble (5-11, 285) are embroiled in a battle for the starting center position, James said. Stevens has started eight games the past two seasons,
subbing for an injured starter, but Stevens was injured in a car accident in the spring and spent several weeks recovering. He bench-presses more than 300 pounds and squats more than 500. Trimble has gained 60 pounds since last season and squats more than 500 pounds, the coach said.
Senior guard Clay McElyea (6-2, 275) earned all-conference honors last season and bench-presses more than 300 pounds and squats more than 500.
Senior right tackle Logan Burton (6-2, 285) returns for his third season as a starter. He bench-presses 330 pounds and squats 500 pounds.
Senior tackle Jacob Oliver (6-6, 275), who deadlifts more than 500 pounds, moved in during the middle of last season from Spring- field, Missouri, and will add depth, James said.
Senior Martin Ramirez (5-10, 180), a two- time all-state soccer player, handled most of the kicking duties a year ago, the coach said, booting a 32-yard field goal against Cabot. Junior Grayson Scoles (5-11, 180) kicked extra points during the playoffs. Sophomore Austin Ledbetter (6-1, 175), who was offered a baseball
BRYANT continued on 5TT
SEPT. 7
SEPT. 7
SEPT. 14................................... FAYETTEVILLE SEPT. 21 ................FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE* SEPT. 28 .............................. @LR CATHOLIC* OCT. 5 ...................................... LR CENTRAL* OCT. 12 ............... @FORT SMITH SOUTHSIDE* OCT. 19 ............................................ CABOT* OCT. 26 ..................... @NORTH LITTLE ROCK* NOV. 2 ............................................CONWAY*
*DENOTES CONFERENCE GAMES
on the depth chart but that Meaders will take snaps at quarterback in games and has emerged as one of the top receivers.
Senior all-state running back Latavion Scott (5-9, 200) ran for 1,341 yards and caught 32 passes for 324 yards in 2017. Senior Braylon Butler (5-10, 170) and junior Ahmad Adams (6-1, 200) both took snaps in the Hornets’ backfield a year ago.
Senior receiver Randy Thomas (6-1, 180) is a two-year starter and was third in receiving yards last season. Senior Josh Robinson (6-2, 170)
...................................... LR FAIRVIEW ........................ @BENTONVILLE WEST