BENTON -- Overcoming a sluggish start thanks to some weather delays, Benton (6-4, 4-3 6A-West) watched Sheridan (0-10, 0-7) take a 5-0 lead before overwhelming the Yellowjackets on the way to a 45-12 victory Friday night at Panther Stadium.
Benton ended a three-game losing streak and will host Jacksonville on Friday in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.
"All the pregame stuff got us out of a routine, we were grasping for out identity," Benton Coach Brad Harris said.
Benton has overcome its share of adversity. The Panthers are playing a converted slot receiver, Gavin Wells, at quarterback. Two other quarterbacks, Peyton Hudgins and Colen Morrow have been injured.
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Holding a 21-12 lead at the half, a different Benton team opened the third quarter intent on scoring some points.
"We finally got a running back going in the second half, opened up with some play-action," Harris said. "We tried to get them to bite on the running back and they did."
After Tristian Hutchinson returned the kickoff 52 yards to the Sheridan 35, the Panthers needed only six plays before Connor Gorganus kicked a 23-yard field goal to give the Panthers a 24-12 advantage.
A three-and-out and a 40-yard punt put Benton at its 41. On first down, Wells found a wide-open D.J. Stirgus in the middle of the field, and he took it for a 59-yard touchdown and a 31-12 lead.
Sheridan picked up a first down on its next possession but again was forced to punt.
Completions of 10 and 20 yards set up another pass to Stirgus, this one from 35 yards out and another touchdown for a 38-12 lead.
Benton forced another Sheridan punt, then turned the ball over on downs.
Sheridan couldn't move the ball gave it back to Benton at its 32. Five first downs had the Panthers at the Sheridan 15. Harper got 13 on first down, then 1 yard up the middle. Wells got the touchdown on a quarterback sneak to set the final margin.
Michael Allison caught a 25-yard touchdown pass, Harper scored on a 12-yard run and Wallace scored on a 14-yard run for the Panthers.
Sheridan scored on a 3-yard pass from Brayden Sites to Jackson Coleman.
Sports on 11/04/2017