BRYANT HORNETS
Conference: 7A-Central
Head coach: Paul Calley
Record last year: 8-3, 6-1
Points scored, points allowed: 203-120
Playoff appearances since 1968: 8
Last playoff appearance: 2006
Playoff record: 3-8

Key returning starters: WR Taylor Masters, WR Jake Jackson, OT Jody Rounsaville, OG Scott Pilcher, C Chad Hinson, TE Landon Montgomery, DE Nathan Probst, DT Chad England, DT Spencer Jones, LB Jared Szabad, LB Austin Humbard, CB Jordan Knight, S Logan Cruse, S Dijon Benton.

Outlook: Bryant has made a team-record six straight playoff appearances, but have just two post-season wins to show for it. Will 2007 the year of Hornets? With six starters back on offense and nine back on defense, it might be. Bryant will be breaking in a new quarterback, but Logan Parker will have plenty of returning experience around him with receivers Taylor Masters and Jake Jackson back. They combined for 99 catches for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns last year. Up front, linemen Jody Rounsaville, Scott Pilcher and Chad Hinson, along with tight end Landon Montgomery return. Tim Floyd didn't start last year, but will also be another viable target for Parker. Defensively, Jared Szabad was all-state last year after 97 tackles from his linebacker slot. Logan Cruse led the team in tackles with 107 on the way to an all-conference campaign and had five interceptions. Dijon Benton teams up with Cruse to form the best safety tandem in the conference. The bookend opponents on the schedule may sum up the season for the Hornets. Bryant opens against rival Benton in the annual Salt Bowl at War Memorial Stadium and close it out against conference heavyweight Little Rock Central that could decide the league title.

Comments from Calley: "Masters and Jackson are both all-conference players and will be helped by the big potential of Tim Floyd and Jeremy Jordan on the opposite side. Logan Parker has a great arm and has improved during the spring. The three returning offensive linemen are solid, and the other two spots are manned by very capable players. With all but two starters returning, we expect this defense to be one of the toughest we've ever put on the field. The interior D-line is made up of a multitude of upperclassmen that will contribute, allowing us to keep fresh players in. Our senior and junior classes are both committed to being the best. They have proven this in the weight room and on the practice field. The overall strength of the team in the weight room combined with above average and experience will be very beneficial to us. Our tradition continues to help carry us also. After making the playoffs six consecutive years, these players don't want to be the ones that end the streak. Hopefully, we will be a year better and not just a year older."