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 3 questions before the game and answers them afterward. This time it’s the Benton Panthers at Marion Patriots on Friday September 30th.
1. Will the Panther Defense be ready for the RPO (Run Pass Option)?
Pregame Thoughts: Even after giving up 329 yards in the air last week, the Panthers should be confident with their box defending the RPO. So far in four games, the Panthers have played three run-heavy offenses and are giving up 140 yards rushing per game. SR Jake Jones, JR Chase Harding, and SO Walter Hicks are big parts of this Panther defense and Benton’s front 6. Marion brings a very balanced offensive attack, averaging 131 rushing yards and 127 yards passing yards per game rushing.
Will the Panthers be able to defend the RPO as well as they defend the run? We believe the Benton defense is ready to answer it.
Postgame Answer: The Panthers were ready for the Patriots RPO. In the first half, the Panthers pitched a shutout, as Marion couldn’t get a rhythm on offense. As the Panthers only gave up 197 yards total and 2 TD’s, both touchdowns coming in the 2nd half. Benton had one of their best defensive performances of the season holding the Patriots under their season averages for both rushing (81) and passing yards (116). The defense looks to continue to build confidence this week.
Jr Chris Bernard and Sophomore Omarcus tackle El Dorado Wide Receiver. See game article at this link. Photo by Abi Fogleman
2. Can the Panthers take the show on the road?
Pregame Thoughts: The Benton Panthers have been very impressive at home this season. There, the Panthers are 2-0 and have put up 114 points while holding opponents to only 52; This means their average of 57 points per game (PPG) is more points than their opponents have scored in both games combined. However, on the road, the Panthers are 0-2 and opponents have outscored Benton by 22.5 PPG.
The Panthers will need to learn to take their offense on the road in order to reach their goals this season. This week is the perfect test for the Panthers to get back on track when away, as they are facing Marion, who are 3-1. The question remains: What Panther team will we see–the explosive home team or the struggling away team?
Jr Braylen Russell Lifts up Sr Logan Owen in celebration after a touchdown against El Dorado. Photo by Abi Fogleman.
Postgame Answer: The Benton Panthers certainly answered this question with a hard yes. The Panthers had complete control of the game from the first snap to the final. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 24-0. By the end of the game, the Panther’s offense was able to put 55 points up which is more than double the points they put up in their last two away games (43). Overall, the Panthers played a great game and will look to continue their momentum into this week’s Homecoming game vs. Green County Tech.
3. Can the Panthers run the ball against an undersized Marion defensive line?
Braylen Russell breaks away from El Dorado defenders on a long run. Photo by Abi Fogleman
Pregame Thoughts: The Panthers will have the prime opportunity to establish the run game against Marion. During 4 games this season, Marion has allowed 848 rushing yards, which averages to 212 yards per game. This is due to Marion having a smaller defensive line, so you can bet the Panthers will dial up a bunch of run plays. Benton averages 165 rushing yards per game but should have a great opportunity to boost that this week.
The Panthers will utilize the use of 4-star JR RB Braylen Russell, and fans will likely see him all over the field. Benton will still have to work to win, as the last time they faced an undersized defensive line in Catholic, they struggled to block their smaller and faster line.
Postgame Answer: The Panthers must have fixed what went wrong after facing a smaller Catholic defensive line, as they dominated the run game on Friday night. The offensive line paved the way for 297 yards on the ground. Benton was lead by JR Braylen Russell with 168 yards and 4 TDs, capped with a long 82-yard run. Benton was on the attack from the opening kickoff and Marion couldn’t recover.
The final score was Panthers 55 – Patriots 13.
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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.