The Bryant Hornets host the defending Class 5A State champion Pulaski Academy Bruins in a pre-season scrimmage at Bryant Stadium today starting at 6 p.m.
The two teams will play three regulation quarters with a mock kicking game (no returns) and no punting. A fourth quarter will feature the second teams for each.
Pulaski Academy is coming off a 13-1 season including a 38-28 victory over Wynne in the State title game. Bryant was 9-2-1, including an eight-game winning streak after an opening tie with Benton in the Salt Bowl. The unbeaten run was interrupted by a 24-10 loss to Conway but the Hornets bounced back to edge Springdale Har-Ber in the first round of the playoffs then had eventual champion Bentonville down in the fourth quarter before losing 17-7.
Bryant is led by a strong front seven on defense including seniors Cameron Murray and Mario Waits on the d-line, both are three-year starters. The revamped secondary figures to get a test from the high-flying P.A. offense.
On offense, the Hornets return several skill players led by running backs Savonte Turner and DeAmonte Terry along with H-backs Drew Alpe and Demaja Price. Versatile Gunnar Burks takes over at quarterback after getting some varsity playing time last year behind Brandan Warner. The Hornets’ offensive line has been retooled.
In Pine Bluff, the Bryant Hornets freshman team will scrimmage tonight as well.
