Bryant (Arkansas) holds off Christian Brothers College (Missouri) in showdown of power programs

The Hornets never trailed the Cadets in a 45-31 victory

BRYANT, ARKANSAS - In a border battle of the state champions in the top classifications, give the edge to Arkansas.

The Bryant Hornets, the 5-time defending Class 7A state champions, defeated Christian Brothers College, the two-time defending Class 6 state champion in Missouri, 45-31, a Hornet Stadium Friday night. 

The win extends Bryant’s winning streak to 24 games. The Hornets’ last loss was a 24-21 defeat at Longview, Texas on Sept. 17, 2021. The Hornets have won 54 in a row against in-state opponent dating back to a loss to North Little Rock in the 2018 season. 

James Martin rushed for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jordan Walker threw for 282 on 11-of-23 passing and 2 touchdowns as Bryant led 38-21 at halftime.

Cole McKey completed 21-of-34 passes for 248 yards and 3 touchdowns while Corey Simms caught 9 passes for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns and Jeremiah McClellan caught 9 for 110. 

3 TAKEAWAYS FROM BRYANT'S WIN OVER CHRISTIAN BROTHERS COLLEGE: 

Mytorian Singleton has big game

A week ago in the Salt Bowl, Bryant head coach Quad Sanders blamed himself for the fact wide receiver Mytorian Singleton did not catch a pass in the first half. He finished the game with 5 catches for 63 yards in the second half. Friday night’s game was different story. Singleton caught 6 passes for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns. He had 5 for 141 and 2 scores before the intermission.

“That’s what you have to do,” said Sanders. "If we allow people to cover Mytorian the way they did last week, the running game is never going to open up. Once we get it to him in space and people figure out they can’t tackle him one on one, the box will open for James (Martin) and Daniel (Anderson).”

Christian Brothers coach Scott Pingel said getting behind Bryant is too much to overcome. “It was one of those games where we got into too big a hole early one and couldn’t bounce back. They know how to play with a lead and did a good job,” said Pingel.

Turnovers, penalties hurt Christian Brothers

Christian Brothers’ offense had its moments with 361 yards passing and 25 first downs. However, the Cadets' 40 yards rushing on 30 attempts with five sacks playing a role in the low rushing total. They also had three turnovers and committed 11 penalties for 95 yards. They opened the second half with an 8-play, 62-yard drive that culminated with a 36-yard touchdown pass from McKey to Jacquice Williams, Their second drive, a 15-play, 58-yard drive ended with a 36-yard field goal by Simon Kacich to make it 45-31 with 7:04 left in the third quarter Their last three possessions ended with two punts and an interceptions, allowing Bryant to run out the final 5:14.

“Their defensive line line was good,” Pingle said. “We had to change some things and they did a good job against us. They’ve got a few sacks at key moments.”

Bryant QB Jordan Sanders was 'on target'

Sanders liked the way Walker performed. While Sanders did acknowledge Walker did miss some open receivers, he liked the way he managed the game and didn’t turn the ball over. In addition to throwing for 282 yards, he added 22 yards rushing and had a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

“Jordan was on target tonight,” said Sanders. “Did he miss some throws, yes, but every quarterback misses some throws. He did a good job of managing the game.”

-- Jeff Halpern