The Battle for the Salt Bowl: Benton’s Late Collapse Hands Bryant Victory
The highly anticipated Salt Bowl rivalry matchup between Benton High School and Bryant High School took place on August 30, 2024. This year marked the 50th year of the game and the 25th anniversary of the Salt Bowl. With Benton senior star receiver Elias Payne returning after missing last season’s opener and Benton running back Braylen Russell injured and not playing in the second half, the dynamics of the game were set for an intense showdown.
The keenly contested match saw Benton take the lead for the first time in more than a decade. However, Bryant displayed resilience, scoring three touchdowns within just three minutes to pull ahead decisively. This stunning turnaround ultimately handed Bryant their tenth consecutive Salt Bowl victory, solidifying their dominance in the rivalry.
During the intense fourth quarter, Bryant quarterback Jordan Walker connected with Karter Ratliff on a 32-yard touchdown and later hit Austin on a wide-open 28-yard touchdown pass. Benton quarterback Maddox Davis hit Nathan Tucker on a 26-yard touchdown pass, but it was not enough to hold off Bryant’s relentless push. In the end, Bryant secured a resounding 52-42 triumph over their crosstown rivals.
The game was marked by mistakes on both sides, with nine combined turnovers, including six fumbles by Benton. Despite this, the thrilling contest lived up to the tradition of the Salt Bowl, showcasing the spirit of the enduring rivalry between the two schools.
The victory not only extended Bryant’s winning streak but also placed them in the lead of the series, 25-24. With Bryant’s strong performance, they continue to assert their dominance in this long-standing rivalry, pushing Benton to reassess their strategy for future matchups.
