LITTLE ROCK – In a matchup that had nine combined turnovers, Bryant separated from crosstown rival Benton in the second half to win 52-42 at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday night in the 25th edition of the Salt Bowl. It was the Hornets’ 10th consecutive victory in the series they now lead by a commanding 21-2-2 since the turn of the century.
Senior Bryant quarterback Jordan Walker, a Ouachita Baptist commit, had to shake off some rust in the first half but was on point after halftime. His classmate and top target, Karter Ratliff, had a big night as he caught five passes for 91 yards and two scores. Junior wideout Kamauri Austin had his coming out party, hauling in three scores in the second half and had multiple impressive catches.
Bryant intercepted Benton quarterback Drew Davis four times, including three in the first half, plus nabbed three fumble recoveries, but the Panthers refused to go away as they led 28-24 at the beginning of the fourth quarter after scoring 14 unanswered points.
The Panthers pitched a shutout in the third quarter, but the Hornets got hot in the final stanza and reeled off 28 points to keep the Salt Bowl trophy in Bryant yet again.
Benton is off next week and will be back on Sept. 13 for their home opener against North Little Rock. Bryant will travel to Christian Brothers (Mo.) next week before returning to War Memorial Stadium in Week 2 for a headliner matchup against back-to-back defending 5A state champion Parkview.
Additional Notable Stats
BENTON
QB Drew Davis 25-45, 335 yards, 5 TD, 7 carries, 42 yards
RB Luther Tucker 13 carries, 54 yards, TD 3 rec, 41 yds, TD
WR Maddox Davis 11 receptions, 113 yards, 3 TD
WR Elias Payne 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD
WR Will Carter 4 receptions, 99 yards
BRYANT
QB Jordan Walker 15-22, 287 yards, 5 TD, 6 carries, 54 yards
RB Myron Thrash 21 carries, 106 yards, TD
RB Daniel Anderson 12 carries, 44 yards, TD
RB Zekeriah Curtis-Jones 10 carries, 43 yds
WR/DB Jonathan Frost 4 receptions, 40 yards, TD // Interception on defense
DB Matthew Ferguson 2 interceptions
LB Nick Miller 1 interception
K Jackson Cook 25-yard field goal
(Photos by Jimmy Jones)
Kyle Sutherland is a journalist and podcast host (Arkansas Preps Weekly) for The Natural State Sports Network. His written work has been featured in outlets including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Best of Arkansas Sports and Hooten’s Arkansas Football. He is also the color commentator for 103.7 The Buzz’s high school football Game of the Week. Email Kyle at kyle@naturalstatesports.com.