High school football report: Hornets face powerhouse on rare 2-game losing streak | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Bryant’s football program isn’t used to losing, entering the season without a loss in more than two years and without consecutive defeats since 2013. After dropping its first two games—43-42 to Benton and 44-20 to Alexandria (La.)—the Hornets now face the toughest matchup still ahead. Coach Quad Sanders said the message to his team is “growth,” arguing progress is slow and that early losses shouldn’t define them. Bryant hosts Baltimore’s St. Frances Academy on Friday night at War Memorial Stadium for the inaugural Patriot Bowl. St. Frances, the Overtime Nationals champion last season, is 2-0 and features 2027 recruits Anthony Sweeney (No. 20) and Raylaun Henry (No. 30), with Jermaine Smith Jr. ranked No. 49.