LITTLE ROCK – The Strong Bulldogs were the heavy favorite throughout the fall to claim their second state championship in four seasons, third in school history, and did so with authority in a commanding 66-14 win over the Midland Mustangs Thursday night at War Memorial Stadium in the 8-man state title game.
Strong senior quarterback Kaiden McHenry was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. He completed 3 of 3 passes for 95 yards with 2 touchdowns and rushed for 123 yards and a score. Germyren McHenry added 71 yards and three huge first half touchdowns on only 4 carries before going down with a leg injury. Jay Taylor finished with 38 yards and a score on the ground, while Danquez Crayton hauled in two of Kaiden McHenry’s touchdowns for 86 yards.
The Bulldogs forced six turnovers that included four fumble recoveries and two interceptions, one by Jay Taylor and the other Cole Fife. Taylor and Jamarion Mitchell led Strong (8-0) with 10 tackles each and Jakeim Woods had 8 stops, including a game-high 2 sacks.
Despite the loss, Midland (11-1) completed its most successful season in school history. Jayce Adams led the Mustangs with 106 yards rushing and a touchdowns and Brayden York added 78 yards and a score. Defensively, Aiden McAdams logged 6 tackles.
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.