Benton can’t hold late lead; Bryant wins again

Bryant Hornets Overcome Benton’s Late Lead

In the highly anticipated 50th Salt Bowl matchup, the Bryant Hornets clashed with the Benton Panthers at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. With more than 30,000 fans in attendance, this storied rivalry game lived up to its high expectations.

The game was a true embodiment of high school football, with both teams showcasing their spirit and determination. Unfortunately for Benton, their late-game surge ultimately fell short, as Bryant solidified its dominance, taking the win 52-42.

Bryant’s Strong Performance

Senior quarterback Jordan Walker, who will play for Ouachita Baptist University, led the Hornets with a commanding performance. He orchestrated the offense, throwing for 287 yards and five touchdowns. His top target, Karter Ratliff, had a standout night with five receptions for 91 yards and two scores. Junior Kamauri Austin also made a significant impact, catching three touchdowns in the second half.

Benton’s Efforts Fall Short

Benton quarterback Drew Davis fought hard, throwing for 335 yards and five touchdowns. However, his efforts were marred by seven turnovers. Davis was not alone in his struggle; Benton running back Luther Tucker contributed with a touchdown, and wide receivers Maddox Davis and Elias Payne made significant catches, but their combined efforts ultimately couldn’t overcome Bryant’s onslaught.

Changes Ahead

Following this intense battle, both teams are headed in different directions. Benton has a bye week, while Bryant is set to face Christian Brothers in St. Louis. Despite the loss, Benton coach Brad Harris remains optimistic, citing the need for improvement and taking encouragement from his team’s brief moments of success. Bryant coach Quad Sanders, meanwhile, acknowledged mistakes but celebrated the victory and looked forward to addressing those issues in preparation for their next opponent, the back-to-back defending 5A state champion Parkview.

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