The annual Blue-White Fanfare football scrimmage will be held tonight at Bryant Stadium starting with an eighth-grade scrimmage between Bryant Middle School (Bryant White) and Bethel Middle School (Bryant Blue) at 5:15. An intersquad freshman scrimmage will follow at 6 p.m., then a high school junior varsity scrimmage will commence around 6:30. The high school varsity will conclude the evening starting around 7.
Coach Brad Stroud instructs the linemen during a drill at Thursday’s practice.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $3. No district passes will be accepted, only Arkansas Activity Association passes.) Concessions will be available along with Hornets gear.
Asked what he’ll be looking for out of his team at the scrimmage, Hornets head coach Paul Calley said, “We’re getting upper classmen reps that need reps. We are also hoping to find some younger guys that show a little promise that we can work into possibly a Friday-night player.
“Right now, just being honest, our first two groups, offensively and defensively, are mature and dependable,” he elaborated. “Everything after that, as a whole, they’re not very mature, they’re not very dependable. They don’t understand commitment and they have no sense of responsibility. Hopefully, we can develop some of that (Friday).
“It’s frustrating and it gets worse every year,” the coach continued. “I’ve had somebody quit every day this week. A lot of them quit early because their work schedule will not allow them to play with the longer practices. Then, guys want instant gratification and glory.
“I’ve got seven offensive linemen and tight ends right now that have never lettered on the varsity,” Calley stated. “They’re seniors. But because they stuck it out and they were committed, we’ve got a chance to be pretty good. I commend those guys for that. You don’t see that much anymore. It’s dwindling away.”
The scrimmage concludes the first week of practice during school. It’s been a tough transition for the coaching staff and the players.
“This week has been one of the longest weeks of my life,” Calley declared. “Six periods, starting practice an hour later and getting out an hour and a half later has taken its toll this week. I hope we’re going to bounce back next week.”
After the scrimmage, the Hornets will be preparing for a pre-season benefit game against Pulaski Academy on Aug. 25 and the season-opener in the Salt Bowl at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock against Benton on Friday, Sept. 4.
The Bryant freshman team will scrimmage at Pine Bluff on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m., in advance of their season opener on Thursday, Sept. 3, at home against Little Rock McClellan.
Bryant White begins its season on Sept. 10 at Cabot North. Bryant Blue opens against Little Rock Horace Mann on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
