SILOAM SPRINGS Battle of Panthers on Friday in Siloam Springs

Siloam Springs returns home Friday for homecoming against Benton in a battle of maroon Panthers at Panther Stadium.

Siloam Springs (2-2, 1-0 6A-West) hasn’t played at home since beating Pryor, Okla., 38-13 on Sept. 6. Siloam Springs lost at Harrison 33-7 on Sept. 13 and then had an off week before winning 28-27 at Sheridan last week to open 6A-West Conference play.

Benton (1-3, 1-0) began the season with losses to Class 7A No. 1 Bryant 42-14 in the annual Salt Bowl at War Memorial Stadium on Aug. 30, a home loss to Arkadelphia 33-20 on Sept. 6 and a 37-27 loss at Cabot on Sept. 20.

Benton notched its first victory at home against Russellville 36-31 last week.

Siloam Springs coach Brandon Craig said his team will have to play well in all areas to win Friday night.

“Defensively, we will have to do great job of tackling in space and covering their passing game,” Craig said. “Offensively, we will need to be more efficient running the football and controlling the tempo of the game. Much like last week, we will need to win the special teams battle. This game could come down to a field goal or extra point if we play well.”

Benton is led by junior QB Garrett Brown (880 passing yards), senior running back D’Anthony Harper (58 carries, 297 yards) and senior wideout Gavin Wells (26 catches 328 yards).

Siloam Springs is led by senior QB Taylor Pool, who has 237 rushing yards and 655 passing yards. Jackson Norberg and Cam Collins have combined to rush for 345 yards, while Gage Weaver leads all receivers with 217 yards on 14 receptions.