2024 Arkansas 7A State Championship Bentonville vs Bryant Preview

Bryant defeated Pulaski Academy in the state semi-finals with a score of 41-7. Meanwhile, Bentonville secured a narrow victory against Conway, winning 36-34 with a game-winning field goal. Bryant was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 2023 playoffs by Bentonville. The Bryant Hornets have an undefeated record of 12-0, while Bentonville has a record of 9-3. Here are some notes and five players to watch in the state championship match.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bryant Hornets Notes: </h2>   2024: 12-0 (7-0) Conference Champion   Beat Pulaski Academy 2x / Benton / Little Rock Parkview / Conway   5 State Championships in School History (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022).   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bentonville Tigers Notes:</h2>   2024: 9-3 (7-0) Conference Champion   Beat Fayetteville (2023 State Champion) / Conway / Started Season 0-3   5 State Championships in School History (2001, 2008, 2010, 2013 & 2014).   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch:</h2>    Bentonville's starting quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='382974' first='Trevor' last='Grant'], aims to lead the team back to the top of the 7A division. Grant showcases solid footwork and technique, leveraging his hips for added power/velocity. He demonstrates a quick release and good velocity, allowing him to fit the ball into tight windows. His anticipation and ball placement create opportunities for yards after the catch, highlighting his precision at all levels of the field. Additionally, Grant exhibits solid pocket mobility, effectively reads the defense, and identifies open targets while keeping his eyes downfield.   Offer List: Central Methodist, Culver-Stockton, Evangel, Lyon, MidAmerica Nazarene, Missouri State & Ottawa   Note – 40 1/2″ Vertical     [player_tooltip player_id='861733' first='Mason' last='Hawkins'] needs to use his speed to stretch the Bryant defense and create opportunities across the field. He demonstrates good acceleration off the line of scrimmage, showcasing good foot quickness and the speed to break away at the second level. His body control and hand-eye coordination are good, allowing him to adjust mid-route or catch passes over his shoulder effectively. He is a genuine vertical threat and a field stretcher.   Note – 4.0 GPA / 4.5 40   X: <a href="https://x.com/MasonKHawkins">https://x.com/MasonKHawkins</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='221273' first='Jordan' last='Walker'], Bryant's star quarterback and Ouachita Baptist commit, will look to challenge the Bentonville secondary. Walker is a strong-armed quarterback capable of throwing to all levels of the field. He displays good footwork in the pocket and has strong post-snap awareness of coverages and incoming blitzes. Additionally, he showcases a powerful arm with the finesse to layer the football over second- and third-level defenders. His ball placement is also precise at all levels of the field.   Offer List: Ouachita Baptist (COMMITTED 08/01/2024), Arkansas Tech, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Henderson State, Southern Arkansas & UNLV   Note – 3.6 GPA   X: <a href="https://x.com/jordanw870">https://x.com/jordanw870</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='401196' first='Kamauri' last='Austin'] is one of the top wide receivers in the state of Arkansas. He has the ability to stretch the field with his speed and athleticism. He displays a quick release off the line of scrimmage, due to his good acceleration and footwork, allowing him to quickly become a vertical threat. Austin consistently creates separation from opposing defensive backs with his good change of direction, balance, and burst. He is a smooth route runner, making sure there is no wasted motion in his routes. Additionally, Austin can work effectively on underneath routes and has the capability to turn short gains into explosive plays due to his yards after catch (YAC) ability. His good change of direction, lateral agility, and burst contribute to this strength. Moreover, he showcases good hand-eye coordination, strong hands, and impressive body control, allowing him to adjust mid-route for the football or successfully catch passes in contested situations.   Offer List: Arkansas Baptist & Marshall   Note – 3.5 GPA   X: <a href="https://x.com/WhynotKam">https://x.com/WhynotKam</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1353127' first='Chase' last='Trimble'] will need to assist his quarterback, Walker, by ensuring he has a clean pocket as they face an underrated defensive line. Trimble demonstrates good initial quickness off the snap, positioning him for success in each play. This quickness is enhanced by his good hand placement, lower body strength, and lateral agility, allowing him to effectively mirror defenders in pass protection or hold his ground against bull rushes. In the run game, his skill is highlighted by his ability to displace defenders and execute pancake blocks, due to his good pad level, body angles, and lower body power.   Offer List: Lyon   Note – 3.9 GPA   X: <a href="https://x.com/CTrimble_63">https://x.com/CTrimble_63</a>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/GdmwjwKXYAAS1ov.jpg?w=680" alt="" class="wp-image-1570042" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Arkansas Activities Association</figcaption></figure>

Bryant defeated Pulaski Academy in the state semi-finals with a score of 41-7. Meanwhile, Bentonville secured a narrow victory against Conway, winning 36-34 with a game-winning field goal. Bryant was eliminated in the semi-finals of the 2023 playoffs by Bentonville. The Bryant Hornets have an undefeated record of 12-0, while Bentonville has a record of 9-3. Here are some notes and five players to watch in the state championship match.