Maupin: 'We want to be Maumelle High' - The Natural State Sports Network

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The 2024 Shootout of the South 7-on-7 football tournament kicked off early Friday morning at the Mighty Bluebird Complex in Little Rock.

Over 700 players from four states are competing in the event, 30 of whom have reported at least one offer from NCAA Division I programs. Of those 30 seven play for the Maumelle Hornets, a 5A-Central squad that expects to build off a seven-win campaign and postseason berth.

Those seven include Andrew Bjork, who started at quarterback for the Hornets as a sophomore, junior Jordan Harris, rising sophomore Hayden Sublette, plus four-star junior defensive lineman Anthony Kennedy, along with Josiah Warrior-Benson, Jacob Henry and Jackson Hampton – all juniors. Kennedy, Warrior-Benson, Henry and Hampton all joined the Hornets during the offseason as Kennedy came over from Little Rock Southwest, while Warrior-Benson, Henry and Hampton transferred from nearby private school Central Arkansas Christian.

Head coach Brian Maupin, who is in his third season leading the Hornets, had a vision to keep Maumelle kids within the district when he was hired in February of 2022.

“When I got this job [Athletic Director] Coach [Kirk] Horton and I sat down and a big thing we wanted to do was become a community school again,” Maupin said. “I think the community of Maumelle had kind of parted ways with us a little bit. There are a couple of schools on the Boulevard now and our thing is there is only one Maumelle High. We want to be Maumelle High, so every kid in our zone needs to attend Maumelle. That has been a big part of what we do, trying to make sure we get that community feel back out there.”

The Hornets started the tournament strong, winning their first two games before dropping the final three to finish 2-3 on the day. They will face Little Rock Christian Saturday at 11:30 a.m. to start regional bracket play.

The trio of Warrior-Benson, Henry and Hampton are certainly crucial additions for Bjork, as well as sophomore Levi Warrior, Warrior-Benson’s cousin, who will also see time under center. While playing for CAC in 2023, Warrior-Benson hauled in 50 receptions for 977 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Hampton was not far behind with 787 yards and 9 scores on 55 receptions. Henry mostly played on defense and special teams for CAC in 2023 and logged an impressive 186 tackles, including three for loss, broke up 10 passes, plus nabbed two interceptions.

Follow all of the tournament results on Facebook or Twitter (X).

Hear more from Maupin, Warrior-Benson, Henry and Hampton below.