Benton Team Preview

Benton spent much of last season answering questions.

After graduating 23 seniors and replacing nearly an entire defensive front, the Panthers battled injuries early before finding their stride, winning the 6A East Conference championship and reaching the state playoffs.

Now, with four starters returning on the offensive line, experience on both sides of the ball, and a veteran quarterback ready for his opportunity, head coach Brad Harris believes Benton enters 2026 much further ahead.

“We had a lot of question marks last year,” Harris said. “We graduated a lot of production and had to replace almost our entire defensive front. We were still trying to figure things out when we played Bryant, but as the season went on, we got healthier, our offensive line gelled, and we really started playing good football.”

That momentum has carried into the offseason.

“We’ve got four starters back on the offensive line and a couple of other guys who played a lot of snaps,” Harris said. “We’re a little further along than we were at this point last year, and I really like where we’re headed.”

The Panthers open the season August 28 against Bryant in the annual Salt Bowl, traveling to Bryant High School after hosting the annual rivalry series last season following a two-decade stint at Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium.

“I loved bringing it back to Benton and Bryant,” Harris said. “It had more of a high school feel. Seven or eight thousand people in a high school stadium created an unbelievable atmosphere. I expect another great game.”

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

Senior Chase Cobb (5-11, 190) finally gets his opportunity after backing up Drew Davis for two seasons.

“He understands our offense inside and out,” Harris said. “He embraced his role on the scout team, prepared every week, and earned this opportunity.”

Junior Easton Snellings (5-9, 175), a former junior high quarterback, provides depth while also starting at wide receiver. Sophomores Seth Farmer (5-10, 150) and Jake Kinkaid (5-9, 150) add depth. 

Running Backs

Senior Brenden Murdock (5-9, 180) is a physical runner who split carries a year ago, and senior TJ Williams (5-9, 185) returns to Benton after spending time in Texas and will also start at safety.

Sophomore Lamarion Bradley (5-11, 175) transferred from Stuttgart and brings explosive playmaking ability, while sophomore Camari Leaks (5-6, 165) rushed for more than 1,000 yards in junior high. Sophomore Aiden Bracy (5-10, 170) transferred from Bryant, and junior CJ Sellers (5-5, 145) gives the Panthers another quick, explosive option.

Receivers/Tight Ends

Snellings returns after posting more than 500 receiving yards last season and will move between the outside and slot positions.

Junior A.P. Lewis (6-0, 165) may be Benton’s biggest homerun threat. One of the faster Panthers (4.43 speed), Lewis has attracted college attention and can stretch defenses vertically while also contributing at cornerback.

Senior Jake Cloud (5-11, 175) enjoyed an outstanding JV season and has transformed his body during the offseason, while senior Bryson Griffis (5-10, 170) returns healthy after battling hamstring injuries.

Sophomore Soren Green (6-2, 190), who was at Bryant and Pulaski Academy the past two seasons of junior high, has impressed since arriving this spring, junior Max Gist (6-0, 210) provides versatility at tight end, and sophomore Manny Payne (5-10, 160) continues the Payne family tradition with his athleticism in the slot.

DEFENSE

Offensive Line

Benton’s primary strength might just be its offensive line.

Senior left tackle Maddison Heard (6-1, 300) anchors the group after earning a handful of NCAA Division II offers. He is joined by senior Jaren Ginther (6-1, 255) at left guard, senior Sam Harris (5-10, 250) at center, junior Barrett Petet (6-2, 280) at right guard and senior Jonathan Bianchi (6-2, 250) at right tackle.

“The difference this year is they’ve played together,” Harris said. “Having four seniors back makes a huge difference.”

Sophomores Simon Kenreich (6-1, 280) and Easton Frazier (6-3, 290) also provide quality depth.

Special Teams

Senior Gabe Wilbur (5-11, 135) returns after earning All-State honors while handling kickoffs and place-kicking duties. He already owns an offer from Ouachita Baptist, where his older brother Lucas hopes to earn snaps as a senior kicker this season.

Senior Dawson Daves (5-11, 175) takes over punting responsibilities and gives Benton another weapon in the kicking game.

Defensive Line

Senior Carson Conyers (6-0, 285) returns after missing time with a shoulder injury and headlines a talented front that also includes junior Drake Woodard (6-5, 255) and senior Avain Beard (6-0, 220).

Senior Dakota Manchak (5-10, 215) and junior Luke Dickinson (6-0, 220) compete for snaps, while sophomores Shawn Koba (5-10, 270) and Antoris Holley (6-2, 350) provide size inside.

Linebackers

Senior Bryson Matyja (6-0, 215) returns at middle linebacker after starting every game last season, while senior Weston Monson (6-3, 205) is back after leading Benton with more than 100 tackles. Committed to Harding, Monson leads the defense.

Junior Jude Turner (5-9, 190) returns from injury, junior Noah Chasteen (5-8, 180) is one of the program’s strongest pound-for-pound athletes after winning a state weightlifting title, junior Baylor Dyson (6-3, 210) offers versatility, and junior Ayden Bateman (5-9, 180) rounds out a deep linebacker corps.

Secondary

Williams headlines the safety group alongside junior Austin Hill (6-0, 200), junior Amarious Leaks, and senior Carter Knowles (5-10, 150).

At cornerback, junior Jaxon White (5-9, 155) and senior Major Holloway (5-10, 175) lead the way, with Lewis, Camari Leaks, and Payne expected to see snaps while also filling offensive spots.