Bryant moves to 9-0 and finally defeats North Little Rock (NLR) in a regular season game. NLR came into this matchup a huge underdog considering Bryant has mercy-ruled every opponent this season. However, NLR had other plans for this game, making Bryant fight for all four quarters of play.

NLR got on the board first with a 46 yard run by Brandon Thomas but Bryant would soon answer with a three touchdown passes by Austin Ledbetter. Right before the half, NLR does what they do best, run the ball. Brandon Thomas up the middle, again, this time for 71 yards and a touchdown. NLR went into halftime with great momentum to start the second half only being down by a touchdown, 14-21.

Bryant received the second half kickoff but would turn the ball over to NLR on the first drive out of halftime. NLR would would cap off a great drive with a two run run by Brandon Thomas. This would be the last time NLR scored during the game.

Mental mistakes and several penalties, including a touchdwon-negating block in the back on a botched punt touchdown run by NLR’s punter, Josh Beck, held the Charging Wildcats to only seven points in the second half.

Bryant defense forced 5 NLR turnovers.

Austin Ledbetter to Jake Meadors seemed to be the key to Bryant’s success last night, three huge touchdown passes and receptions. Ledbetter had 5 total TD passes.

Bryant would go to win the game 35-21.  As I said in my Instagram post, a valiant effort by NLR.

One more week in the regular season then it’s on to the playoffs.

NLR is 5-4 on the season and Bryant remains undefeated at 9-0.

NLR will play at Cabot next Friday night and Bryant will play at Conway.

 

Photos & Article by Jaison Sterling

Full image gallery https://www.sterlingimageworksgallery.com/p856130791