LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It's a matchup that could arguably be the game of the year in Arkansas high school football.
With the results going in Little Rock Parkview's favor in 2023, this year's matchup is even more crucial.
Class 5A Parkview upset Class 7A Bryant 28-27 in week three of last year, marking the first time the Hornets had lost to an in-state opponent since October 26, 2018.
"That's one of the only losses I've ever been a part of, and I don't like it... nobody does," Bryant senior wide receiver Carter Sims said. "It's a different feeling for a lot of the guys on this team who have never really felt that."
Fellow senior JT Allen said the loss has added fuel to the fire for this week's rematch against Parkview.
"This was the first loss for me and many on this team... first football loss in many years," Allen said. "We were holding a big grudge against this team. We're looking for a comeback and some revenge."
While this game will mean a little more this year for the Hornets, something different motivates the Patriots.
"[Last year's outcome] doesn't really change anything," Parkview running back and wide receiver Monterrio Elston said. "We still want to come out. We want to play them like we didn't play them last year... We still want to come and beat them and win the game."
Elston's teammate, Omarion Robinson, agrees.
"We just come in with the mindset like we got to win... we're the best team in the state," Robinson said. "We have to show them we're the best team in the state. We aren't trying to go out with these seniors... trying to lose, we're trying to go out with a bang, like undefeated season."
Little Rock Parkview, despite being in a smaller classification than Bryant, wants to prove they are worthy of being called the number one team in the state. That seems to be their motivation to take down the Hornets.
Meanwhile, Bryant, while they surely do want to be coined the best team in Arkansas, is fueled by the heartbreaking one-point loss they suffered in this game last season.
Little Rock Parkview and Bryant will meet at War Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.