Football Game Preview: Harker Heights Knights vs. Bryan Vikings

The Harker Heights Knights will venture away from home to face off against the Bryan Vikings at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Harker Heights will be strutting in after a victory while Bryan will be coming in after a defeat.

Harker Heights had to skate by with only a three-point margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 30-point drubbing they dealt Killeen on Friday. The Knights simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Kangaroos 45-15. The contest was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 31-0.

Ryan Taylor

Receiving Yards

09/05/25 @ Manor	162
10/03/25 vs Killeen	157
09/18/25 vs Midlothian	143
08/29/25 @ Cedar Park	115
09/12/25 @ Dripping Springs	100

Harker Heights' success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Jaylen Mason led the charge by rushing for 123 yards and a pair of scores on only 15 carries. Mason's longest rush was for an impressive 52 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total. Ryan Taylor also helped out with an impressive 157 receiving yards.

Harker Heights didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off four passes before the game was over. Jordan Loney led the group effort, picking up two of those interceptions all by himself. Hudson Hanover is also crushing it when it comes to total tackles: he's made at least five every time he's taken the field this season. Another thorn in Killeen's side was Cooper Howard, who made 23 total tackles (2.0 for loss).

Meanwhile, Bryan was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fifth straight loss. They lost 38-14 to Copperas Cove. While losing is never fun, the Vikings can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas football rankings (they are ranked 490th, while the Bulldawgs are ranked 196th).

Bryan's defeat dropped their record down to 0-5. As for Harker Heights, their win bumped their record up to 4-2.

Everything came up roses for Harker Heights against Bryan in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, as the team secured a 56-20 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Knights since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.