Motes, Tucker power Bryant past Fayetteville in 7A playoff rout

Published On: November 22, 2025Categories: Featured, High School, News, Uncategorized

Bryant 42, Fayetteville 0

BRYANT — Bryant’s defense and big-play passing game left no doubt Friday night as the Hornets rolled past Fayetteville 42-0 in the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs at Hornet Stadium.

Senior quarterback Jeremiah Motes accounted for four touchdowns for Bryant (11-0). Motes threw scoring strikes of 37, 46 and 43 yards to wide receiver Caleb Tucker, then added a 30-yard keeper late in the second quarter to give the Hornets a 35-0 halftime lead. Tucker, a two-way standout at wide receiver and free safety, finished with three touchdown receptions and several tackles in coverage.

Behind center Nichael Rucker and an offensive line, Bryant’s ground game controlled the clock. Running back TJ Hodges punched in a 17-yard touchdown run, while backs Kollin Robinson, Zekariah Kertis and Desmond “DJ” Gooding Jr. combined for tough yardage between the tackles; Gooding capped the night with a late fourth-quarter scoring run.

Fayetteville (7-5) showed its explosiveness early. Junior quarterback Hank Hendrix opened with a string of completions to wideouts Kinyun Johnson and Catavion Taylor, and junior tailback Kaleb Johnson fought for extra yards against Bryant’s front. Cornerback Brody Jones and defensive back Kyndrick Williams each delivered physical stops that slowed the Hornets’ tempo.

Ultimately, Bryant’s defense, led by edge rushers Matthew and Samuel Nelson and interior lineman Malachi McDonald, kept the Bulldogs out of the end zone, forcing an interception and multiple turnovers on downs to preserve the shutout. Linebackers Jakore Smith and Bryant Davis Jr. added key pressures and pass breakups.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Bryant – Caleb Tucker 37-yard pass from Jeremiah Motes (Grayson King kick), Bryant 7-0
Bryant – Caleb Tucker 46-yard pass from Jeremiah Motes (King kick), Bryant 14-0

2nd Quarter
Bryant – TJ Hodges 17-yard run (King kick), Bryant 21-0
Bryant – Caleb Tucker 43-yard pass from Jeremiah Motes (King kick), Bryant 28-0
Bryant – Jeremiah Motes 30-yard run (King kick), Bryant 35-0

3rd Quarter
No scoring

4th Quarter
Bryant – Desmond “DJ” Gooding Jr. run up the middle (JD Olson kick), Bryant 42-0

Players who stood out

Caleb Tucker, WR/FS, Bryant – Three touchdown receptions plus strong coverage work.
Jeremiah Motes, QB, Bryant – Three TD passes and a 30-yard rushing score.
TJ Hodges, RB/WR, Bryant – 17-yard TD run and physical inside running all night.
Hank Hendrix, QB, Fayetteville – Led early passing success with several sharp completions.
Kaleb Johnson, RB/CB, Fayetteville – Tough, chain-moving runs against an elite front.