Benton and Bryant Anticipate 50th Salt Bowl
The highly anticipated 50th Salt Bowl is nearing kickoff, and both Benton and Bryant high schools are gearing up for this historic rivalry game. This year marks a significant milestone in the long-standing tradition of the Salt Bowl, which promises to be a thrilling contest between two determined teams.
For Benton, this year’s Salt Bowl holds immense importance. The Panthers have not won since 2005, and senior linebacker Walter Hicks stated that winning this game would be even more significant than a state championship. The team is determined to break the losing streak, and Hicks believes that Bryant sees them as their “big brother,” a perception they aim to change.
Bryant, on the other hand, enters the game with a confident mindset. Senior quarterback Jackson Walker, who verbally committed to Ouachita Baptist University, hopes to win the Salt Bowl all three years of his high school career. Coach Quad Sanders, however, does not dwell on past records, focusing instead on the magnitude of the game and the desire to win, regardless of previous outcomes.
The rivalry between Benton and Bryant is deeply rooted in their shared history. While Bryant has dominated the series in recent years, Benton is resolute in its quest to break the curse. With both teams coming off strong seasons in 2023, each with conference titles and semifinal appearances, this year’s Salt Bowl is poised to be a battle for the ages.
As the game approaches, the excitement builds. The 50th Salt Bowl promises to be a memorable event, with fans from both sides eager to witness this historic clash. The stage is set at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, where Benton and Bryant will face off on August 30. The question remains: which team will emerge victorious in this pivotal game?
Game Details
- Teams: Benton High School and Bryant High School
- Event: 50th Salt Bowl
- Location: War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock
- Date: August 30
Key Player Quotes
- Walter Hicks, Benton senior linebacker: “This is pretty much our state championship, to be honest… I’d probably rather win this than the state championship if I had to choose.”
- Jordan Walker, Bryant senior quarterback: “To watch the Salt Bowl all these years, and then when I was 15, just beginning to play in it, it was a big deal.”
- Quad Sanders, Bryant head coach: “I don’t even really know what the record is. The pressure will probably always be the same because of the game’s magnitude. Both teams want to win. Both teams have a chance to win.”
Managing Expectations
As the game nears, both teams are acutely aware of the stakes. While Benton seeks to end its losing streak, Bryant aims to maintain its dominance. The pressure is palpable, but both teams are focused on one thing: emerging victorious.
