Wildcats finally top Panthers

EL DORADO --- El Dorado snapped a five-game losing streak against Benton with a 27-20 victory on Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

The Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 6A-West) committed four turnovers, but they held the Panthers to 91 rushing yards.

"It wasn't pretty. There were turnovers and mistakes but our kids played really hard," El Dorado Coach Scott Reed said. "They played like they cared every play and our defense was really good tonight. We put them in some bad spots offensively and they physically took over, I thought, in the second half. Our defense did. We did not let them run the ball."

For El Dorado, sophomore Alex Hicks rushed for 124 yards on 22 carries with 1 touchdown. Darius Holly completed 12 of 21 passes for 237 yards with 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown. Shun Levingston had 4 receptions for 96 yards and 1 touchdown and rushed for 23 yards and another score.

[HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD: Full results + recaps, photos and more]

Hicks rebounded from a first-half fumble but finished the game strong. His 8-yard run on third-and-4 sealed the game in the final minute.

Sophomore Greysen Hubbard kicked two field goals.

Reed was pleased to see the Wildcats defeat one of the top teams in Class 6A.

"That's a big hurdle for us," said Reed. "I think that puts us back in the top part of our conference which is where we want to be. Our kids have rebounded well. To be 6-1, I'm really pleased."

Benton quarterback Peyton Hudgins completed 14 of 25 passes for 183 yards. Wide receiver Gavin Wells caught a 25-yard touchdown pass and running back Beau Brewer had two 1-yard scoring runs for the Panthers (5-2, 3-1).

Sports on 10/14/2017

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