By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
It’s a familiar matchup to kick off the season: Benton vs. Northwood. Tonight’s 7 o’clock contest at Jerry Burton Stadium is the fourth straight time the Tigers and Falcons have opened September on opposite sidelines.
Both teams were 5-6 last season, bowing in first-round playoff games. Reynolds Moore begins his 12th season as Benton’s coach. Austin Brown opens his fourth year in charge at Northwood, hoping for his first victory over the Tigers.
Last year, Benton staged a big comeback at home, rallying from 13 points down to win 28-26 as senior running back Greg Manning scored all four touchdowns and ran for 151 yards.
Manning’s tremendous career is over, but Benton won’t be hurting for ballcarriers. Moore has a trio of top-liners: Greg Chambers, Maurice Goins and Conner Jeter.
“I’m pumped about our running backs and seeing who emerges as the guy, or top two guys,” he said.
The Tigers also have highly-regarded sophomore quarterback Malachi Zeigler and TCU commit Witten VanHoy (6-7, 300) up front. Linebacker Cole Austin led Benton with 113 tackles in 2023.
The Falcons will showcase a two-way standout, defensive back/receiver Jerimiah Johnson, said Brown.
“We have quite a bit of talent we didn’t have last year,” he said.
“Their strengths (offensive line and running backs) go against our question marks on the defensive line,” said Brown. “But I think this is the closest matchup we’ve had (with Benton) in 3-4 years. I expect this to be the best game in that stretch.”
“We know it’s always a tough game against Northwood,” said Moore. “I’m looking for our guys to come out with a different level of intensity than we’ve seen so far. We know Northwood is going to be ready.”
The contest will be available on the Benton Tigers Sports Network Facebook page with a listening link at network1sports.com/station/btsn as Travis Shurling, Judd Daniels and Nathan Hardin are the announcing crew.
The Tigers-Falcons clash and Loyola’s contest in Monroe against St. Frederick are the only two local high school games tonight.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com