The biggest game of Benton’s season is the Salt Bowl against Saline County rival Bryant on Friday night at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
The biggest game of Benton senior quarterback Tarek Beaugard’s career, at least statistically, was last Friday night at Greenbrier.
Beaugard earned the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Feat of the Week after amassing almost 700 yards running and passing, and accounting for seven touchdowns, in a 66-49 victory.
“We kind of knew it was going to be a track meet,” Benton Coach Scott Neathery said. “When he plays within the system, and does what he can do and executes, he’s pretty good.”
Beaugard ran 13 times for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns and completed 33 of 48 passes for 568 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Neathery said it was the best game Beaugard, a three year starter, has played for Class 6A Benton (2-1).
“When he doesn’t try to do too much, he puts great stress on the defense,” Neathery said. “He throws the ball well, has a live arm and can run the ball, also.”
Beaugard, 5-8, 140 pounds, triggered a Spread attack that finished with 778 total yards (568 passing and 210 rushing).
Beaugard scored on runs of 1 and 21 yards. He threw touchdown passes of 73 and 66 yards to senior wide receiver J.V. Davis, 17 and 15 yards to sophomore wide receiver Colton Nix, and 6 yards to sophomore utility back Drew Dyer.
Dyer’s touchdown was set up by a 68-yard completion from Beaugard to Davis, who finished with seven receptions for 282 yards.
Neathery said Benton used Davis to attack Greenbrier “over the top” on vertical routes, adding that Beaugard has the arm strength and accuracy to make those type of throws.
“When you see his stature, it does surprise you how much velocity he can put on a ball,” Neathery said. “He can throw the ball 55 yards and put it on the money. That’s tough for a defense, that’s for sure.”
Neathery said he believes Beaugard’s passing yardage is undoubtedly a single-game school record, but Neathery said he was so focused on winning - Benton led only 52-42 after three quarters - that he wasn’t aware of the quarterback’s staggering total until after the game.
“Just kind of scratch your head and say, ‘Oh, my gosh,’ ” Neathery said. “You just don’t realize it. It was surprising, no doubt.”
Feat of the week PLAYER Tarek Beaugard SCHOOL Benton HEIGHT/WEIGHT 5-8, 140 pounds CLASS Senior POSITION Quarterback OPPONENT Greenbrier RUSHING 13 carries, 99 yards, 2 touchdowns PASSING 33 of 48, 568 yards, 5 touchdowns
Sports, Pages 24 on 09/25/2013