17 Aug 2014 Benton: Panthers making strides in 6A South

Conference: 6A South
Coach: Scott Neathery
’13 Record: 6-6 (3-4)

It was a tale of a hot start and a cool finish for the Benton Panthers in 2013. The Panthers finished an even 6-6 on the year.

“As a program, we made strides last season,” Coach Scott Neathery said. “We started out hot but limped into the playoffs with a 5-5 record. We beat Russellville in first round and played El Dorado well in the second round.”

The Panthers’ defining moment last season came in that first round playoff win over Russellville, 36-35. Benton made a game-winning drive with 31 seconds on the clock.

Players to watch for Benton this year include: senior Drew Harris (athlete), senior Stone Paul (safety), senior Tim Dezort (linebacker), senior Kellan Hancock (offensive lineman), junior Drew Dyer (running back), junior Dylan Murphy (defensive lineman), junior Cason Maertens (quarterback), junior Ben Brasuell (linebacker), junior Roy Blalock (offensive lineman) and senior Sam Baker (wide receiver).

“We have players with game time experience and mental toughness,” Neathery said. “This is the strongest group we’ve had in four years. We have a lack of speed and lack of depth.”

5 Players to Watch:
Stone Paul (Sr. DB)
Tim Dezort (Sr. LB)
Kellan Hancock (Sr. OL)
Sam Baker (Sr. WR)
Drew Harris (Sr. ATH)

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1 Must-see Game:
“Attend the Salt Bowl against Bryant.” — Neathery

2014 Schedule:
Sept. 5        vs. Bryant
Sept. 12    Jacksonville
Sept. 19    Greenbrier
Sept. 26    at LR Parkview
Oct. 3        LR Hall
Oct. 10        at Sheridan
Oct. 17        Texarkana
Oct. 24        at Lake Hamilton
Oct. 31        El Dorado
Nov. 7        at Pine Bluff