BENTON: Benton aims again for state playoffs

Classification: 7A/6A South
Coach: Scott Neathery
Last Season: 3-8 (2-6)

Benton faced a tough schedule in 2011, but wins over conference foes Little Rock McClellan and Little Rock Fair proved enough to sneak the Panthers into the playoffs. Benton put up a fight at Marion, but fell 42-33.

Benton senior linebacker Carson Holloway. (Bill Patterson photos)

For Coach Scott Neathery, the tough season started in week three.

“Our senior quarterback was injured starting the second quarter,” Neathery said. “We had several injuries during that game. We are returning three senior offensive linemen and several quality running backs.”

Chase Pigue (6-3, 265) is a three-year starter on the offensive line. Senior Wallace Foote (5-10, 175) is a two-time all-conference returner at running back.

Benton senior running back Wallace Foote.

Carson Holloway (5-10, 195) returns at linebacker. The senior earned all-state honors last fall. Senior Cole Glover (5-10, 170) is a two-year starter at linebacker. Senior Collin Simmons (5-10, 165) returns for his third year as a defensive back.

“Our conference will be tough with Bryant coming into the mix,” Neathery said. “The front runners are El Dorado, Bryant, Pine Bluff and Lake Hamilton.”