Purple Dogs race past Bruins behind Hendrix, defense in 7A opener

Fayetteville 58, Pulaski Academy 22

FAYETTEVILLE — Fayetteville blitzed to a 21–0 start and never looked back, defeating Pulaski Academy 58–22 in a Class 7A first‑round game at Harmon Field. Junior quarterback Hank Hendrix commanded the Purple Dogs’ attack, tossing scoring passes to Catavion Taylor and Charles Whitlow and adding a short keeper. Tailback Kaleb Johnsoncomplemented the air show with two rugged touchdown runs behind a veteran offensive line.

Pulaski Academy answered with flashes of its trademark explosiveness. Junior running back Ja’Vion Walker powered in from the 1 on a direct snap, then later broke free for a long fourth‑quarter score. Freshman quarterback Caleb Sullivanprovided a spark off the bench, delivering a strike to senior receiver Mason Greathouse for the Bruins’ other touchdown. Senior wideouts Max Conine and Chase Hancock were underneath options, and Bryce Gittens’ kick return set up PA’s first points.

Hendrix kept Fayetteville comfortably in front, engineering a methodical march capped by his keeper, and the Bulldogs’ defense produced multiple takeaways to blunt Bruins rallies. Defensive back Kyndrick Williams and linebacker Jax Tidwell highlighted a unit that tackled in space and contested throws, while receivers Taylor and Whitlow repeatedly created separation.

Pulaski Academy continued to compete, stringing together late first downs and leaning on Walker’s yards after contact, but Fayetteville’s early surge and depth proved decisive. The Bulldogs advance to face top‑seed Bryant next week; the young Bruins, who leaned on sophomores and juniors all season, take renewed momentum of promise into the offseason after a gritty road playoff showing.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Fayetteville – Kaleb Johnson 1‑yd run (kick good), FAY 7–0.
Fayetteville – Charles Whitlow pass from Hank Hendrix (kick good), FAY 14–0.

2nd Quarter
Fayetteville – Catavion Taylor pass from Hendrix (kick good), FAY 21–0.
Pulaski Academy – Ja’Vion Walker 1‑yd run (Walker pass to Max Conine), FAY 21–8.
Fayetteville – Kaleb Johnson run (kick good), FAY 28–8.
Fayetteville – Whitlow pass from Hendrix (kick good), FAY 35–8.
Fayetteville – (TD pass) (kick good), FAY 41–8.

3rd Quarter
Fayetteville – Hendrix 1‑yd run (kick good), FAY 48–8.
Fayetteville – Field goal (good), FAY 51–8.
Pulaski Academy – Greathouse pass from Sullivan (Sullivan pass to Conine), FAY 51–16.

4th Quarter
Fayetteville – Jabren Avent pass reception (kick good), FAY 58–16.
Pulaski Academy – Walker run (pass failed), Final 58–22.

Players who stood out

• Hank Hendrix (QB, Fayetteville) — 3 TD passes, 1 rushing TD.

• Kaleb Johnson (RB, Fayetteville) — 2 rushing TD.

• Kyndrick Williams (DB, Fayetteville) — Interception, tight coverage throughout.

• Ja’Vion Walker (RB, Pulaski Academy) — 2 rushing TD.

• Mason Greathouse (WR/RB, Pulaski Academy) — TD catch; frequent chain‑mover.