This is Benton Panthers sports coverage with writing and photography by Benton High School students. Visit their home page at www.mysaline.com/benton-panthers-sports. This article is by Whit Warford.
Whit Warford asks his 3 questions before the Benton Panthers varsity football game, and answers them afterward. The Panthers traveled to Sheridan to defeat the YellowJackets with a final score of 36-14 on Friday, November 4th. See the Postgame Answers next week (below in maroon).
1. Will Benton’s offense continue to shatter school records?
JR Running back Braylen Russell breaks away on a run in last week’s game against West Memphis. Photo by Abi Fogleman
Pregame Thoughts:
The Panther offense has been playing at a championship level recently. They put up 55 points this last week against West Memphis. This season, the Panthers have had 7 matchups where they have put up over 50 points, setting a school record. Every one of these games ended with Benton winning.
However, in the two games when the Panthers’ offense has struggled, it has resulted in a loss. Their recipe for success relies on the offense and special teams making big-time plays and lighting up the scoreboard. Can the Panthers put up another 50 in this week’s game against Sheridan and continue to grow a record that may never be touched again?
Postgame Answer:
The Panther offense played well putting the mercy rule in effect by the end of the 1st half. The Panthers were up 36 to 0 at halftime. With the playoffs in front of the Panthers, they got a lot of backups in the game in the second half getting them some valuable reps. However, in return, they did not continue their streak of scoring over 50 points, stopping the streak at 6 games. Overall the Panthers dominated the whole game on offense and on defense, only allowing points on a pick 6 and a deep pass as the 4th quarter expired. This coming week the Panthers have a bye week as the playoffs get started.
2. Can the Panthers’ pass defense bounce back after struggling against the Blue Devils?
JR Cornerback Gary Rideout makes a tackle against West Memphis. Photo by Abi Fogleman
Pregame Thoughts:
Last week, The Panthers’ defense got absolutely torched through the air, allowing West Memphis a staggering 454 passing yards. That is the worst performance by the Panthers this season and in recent memory. The Panthers will certainly have things to fix in the secondary. If they allow that amount of yardage this week against Sheridan, Sheridan will take the opportunity to give the Panthers all they can handle.
However, the Panthers’ defense found its identity late in the game against West Memphis and played well when they needed it the most, only allowing the Blue Devils to score 7 points in the 4th quarter. Will the defense be able to bounce back this week and get back on track against the YellowJackets?
Postgame Answer:
The defense played well considering last week’s performance. The Panthers allowed 55 passing yards through the air. This is a major step up from allowing 454 yards last week against West Memphis. The Panther defense also only allowed one deep touchdown pass on the night as well, the last play of the game. Overall the Panther’s coverage was solid and will need to continue to be solid when the playoffs arrive. Benton will definitely be challenged through the air again if they plan to play for a championship.
3. Can Sheridan keep up with Benton in the Trenches?
JR Defensive Linemen Peyton McNeely makes a tackle along with sophomore Walter Hicks In last week’s game against West Memphis. Photo by Abi Fogleman.
Pregame Thoughts:
One factor that will decide this week’s game is the trenches–Will Sherdian be able to keep pace with the Panthers in the trenches? On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers have sacked opposing quarterbacks 23 times (2.5 per game), they have 44 tackles for loss (4.8 per game), and 28 quarterback hurries (3.1 per game) this year. Those stats are way above average, meaning this PDC is playing at a high level. Meanwhile, on the offensive line, the Panthers have only allowed 2 sacks and allowed their skill players have rushed for 1,910 yards (212 ypg). Will Sheridan be able to neutralize the very skilled Panther offensive and defensive lines of Benton?
Postgame Answer:
The Panthers dominated both lines of scrimmage on Friday night. On the offensive side of the ball the Benton line did give up their 3rd sack of the year but they made up for it by paving the way for Panther running backs to run for 243 yards. Chris Barnard led the way for the Panthers on the ground rushing for 129 yards on 8 carries averaging 16 yards per carry. On the defensive side of the ball the Benton front 7 enforced their will sacking Sheridans quarterback 6 times and only allowed 2.7 yards per carry. If Benton can continue to win the battle in the trenches they will have a chance for continued success.
Give article comments on this page or email [email protected].
This is Benton Panthers sports coverage, with writing and photography by Benton High School students. Visit their home page at www.mysaline.com/benton-panthers-sports. Writers are Devon Hunt, Jack Woolbright, Whit Warford & Bentley Stamper.