Central Controls Trenches, Tops Springdale

Published On: August 30, 2025Categories: Featured, High School, News, Scores, Uncategorized

Central Controls Trenches, Tops Springdale

Little Rock Central 26, Springdale 7

LITTLE ROCK — Little Rock Central flexed in the trenches and closed with authority, defeating Springdale 26–7 in the season opener at historic Quigley Stadium.

Freshman quarterback Bryson Kennedy wasted no time making an impression, tossing a first-quarter touchdown to tight end Ricky Gaston before ripping a 47-yard scoring keeper just before halftime. Senior running back Ray Stewart wore down the Bulldogs in the second half, piling up more than 150 rushing yards and capping the night with a game-sealing fourth-quarter touchdown. Wideout CJ White provided chain-moving receptions to keep drives alive as Central blended option looks with screens and vertical shots.

Springdale’s breakthrough came in the third quarter when versatile back Carson Hayter lined up at quarterback and darted in from eight yards out. Senior kicker/punter AJ Woods tacked on the PAT and flipped field position with several booming punts. Defensively, Easton Hahn and Jed Wallace were active, while Rancel Orellana and Wilder Lherisse churned out tough interior yards against a stout Central front.

The win marks a confidence-builder for Central’s young signal caller and a tone-setter in the 7A picture. Springdale showed grit in the second half and will look to build on its red-zone creativity moving forward.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter — Little Rock Central – Ricky Gaston TD catch from Bryson Kennedy (Joel Dunn kick), 7–0.
2nd Quarter — Little Rock Central – Bryson Kennedy 47-yard run (kick failed), 13–0.
3rd Quarter — Springdale – Carson Hayter 8-yard run (AJ Woods kick), 13–7.
4th Quarter — Little Rock Central – Drew Bork 23-yard run (kick failed), 19–7.
4th Quarter — Little Rock Central – Ray Stewart TD run (Dunn kick), 26–7.