Jr. Panthers pick up nonconference victory
BENTON – The Benton Freshman Panthers bounced back after two tough losses to get a 20-8 win over Alma on Thursday night at Everett Field. The Panthers were originally scheduled to play at LR Central, but due to COVID-19 concerns at Central, the Tigers opted not to play this week. Benton Coach Matt Mcbride found a willing opponent in Alma who was scheduled to play Pea Ridge but had that game canceled due to COVID concerns at Pea Ridge.
Following a scoreless first quarter, Benton (4-4, 3-2) got on the board on the first play of the second quarter when Chris Barnard scored on a 7-yard run. Peyton Mcneely ran in the 2-point conversion for an 8-0 Panther lead.
Alma responded after recovering a Benton onside kick. The Airedales took four plays to cover 50 yards with Ian Rhoades scoring on a 1-yard plunge. Jackson Daily passed to Drake Stogsdill for the 2-point conversion for an 8-8 tie that stood until halftime.
The Benton defense was stellar on Thursday, limiting the Airedales to just two first downs and none after the 5:34 mark of the second quarter.
With 5:58 remaining in the fourth quarter, Benton regained the lead for good on a 29-yard pass from Mcneely to Colby Howard for a 14-8 lead.
The Panthers added to their lead with 2:22 left on a 1-yard run from Mcneely.
Benton outgained Alma 210 to 67 in total yards. Barnard led the Panthers on
the ground with 71 yards on 11 carried. Mcneely completed 9 of 11 passes for 99 yards with Barnard (42 yards) and Howard (34 yards) leading Benton’s receivers.
Defensively, Mcneely led the Panthers with four tackles, three tackles-forloss, and a quarterback sack. Barnard and Alvin Allen contributed three tackles each.
The Freshman Panthers will get an opportunity to avenge a Week 6, nonconference loss to Cabot South (6-0) next Thursday at Everett Field. Cabot South will come in licking their wounds after suffering a 49-19 loss at home to Bryant.