2019 POST-TRIBUNE FOOTBALL ALL-AREA TEAM
Game-breaker
With 12 interceptions among numerous key plays, senior was a dynamic weapon for regional champion Hobart
Defensive back Matthew Benton had so many good games this season, it’s a blur to Hobart coach Craig Osika.
The larger the moment, the taller that Benton, the 2019 Post-Tribune Football Defensive Player of the Year, stood.
“He just doesn’t crack under pressure situations,” Osika said. “The game is never too big for him. He stays focused and dialed in all the time. That’s why he’s such a good player.”
Benton, a senior, finished the season with 12 interceptions, 12 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and three defensive touchdowns. One of those defensive TDs was off a fumble recovery. According to MaxPreps, Benton led the state in interceptions. He had four multiple-interception games as Hobart won a Class 4A regional title.
Big-play Benton always was ready, particularly when the Brickies needed it most.
He had two interceptions against Morton in the first round of the playoffs, a game that was hyped as the Governors’ potent offense against Hobart’s shut-down defense. The Brickies defeated Morton 42-21.
The next week against New Prairie, ranked No. 4 in 4A at the end of the regular season, Benton had two interceptions in Hobart’s stunning 36-7 victory.
Osika said one of the interceptions against New Prairie came because of film study.
Benton recognized the Cougars’ formation and read the play as soon as quarterback Chase Ketterer dropped back to pass.
“You just don’t expect that from a high school kid,” Osika said.
Benton won’t lie. He loves being in a situation where he feels like he is the guy that has to produce. That comes from his inner confidence.
“Every game, I just give it my all, whether it’s the worst or best team,” he said. “Those big games were different, though. I was a senior. I knew I had to step it up. I knew I had to make a play for my teammates to get them going because I was a leader.”
Benton called the win against Morton one of the more satisfying.
“We had seven turnovers, and they had some big-name wide receivers that were pretty hyped,” he said. “It was like, ‘Look at us. We can play too.’ ”
It didn’t stop on defense.
Benton, who is 5 feet 10 and 180 pounds, caught 21 passes for 321 yards and four TDs as a wide receiver.
Benton was going to excel wherever he played.
Osika decided to optimize him on defense.
“He just did so many things to swing the momentum for us,” Osika said.
Benton also was the Hobart baseball team’s No. 1 pitcher the past two seasons.
His big baseball moment came when he beat Crown Point 1-0 in 2018 in the opening round of the sectional. Benton went the distance, striking out eight.
He tore his hamstring before the 2019 baseball season and played through it, but he didn’t feel like he had his strength back until the end of the season.
According to Osika, Benton might have to make a decision about which sport to pursue in college unless he can find a place that will let him play both baseball and football.
“He’s going to have some opportunities,” Osika said.