Benton Team Preview

Benton hasn’t beaten Saline County rival Bryant since 2005. That season, they beat them twice, first in the Salt Bowl game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock and then in the Class AAAAA playoffs at home. 

Twenty years later, the game will return to Benton’s home field as the Panthers hope to end a 20-year streak that has included 19 losses and a tie.

In the spring, the schools announced the Salt Bowl series was leaving War Memorial Stadium, the rivalry’s home since 2000, for a home-and home series. Benton’s Panther Stadium was chosen to host the first regular-season game of the series since 1999. 

“We are getting closer to them,” Benton head coach Brad Harris said. “Last year, we led [Bryant] in the fourth quarter. Our lack of depth caught up with us in the fourth quarter, but we proved we could play with them. We are excited about playing at home this season. That will be a great atmosphere.”

Offense

Senior Drew Davis (6-3, 205) begins his third year as the Panthers’ starting QB. He comes into the season with the possibility of breaking every quarterback record in school history as he wraps up an incredible career as the Panther play caller. Davis (4.61 speed) has attracted interest from Arkansas State, Central Arkansas, and NCAA Division II programs. 

Junior Chase Cobb (5-11, 180) is the backup quarterback but showed he was very capable as he helped the Panthers clinch the 6A-South title with a win at Marion and a 55-17 quarterfinal playoff victory over Lake Hamilton, while Davis nursed an injury. “Drew is a phenomenal player and is bigger and stronger, but Chase is very good, too,” Harris said. “We are lucky to have the quarterbacks we do.”

Benton lost two solid running backs when Luther Tucker graduated and T.J. Williams left the program. Harris will turn to former wide receiver Bryson Griffis (5-8, 175), a junior, to transition to the starter in the backfield. He will be pushed by Bryant junior transfer Brendan Murdock (5-7, 180), who shined for the Hornets’ JV squad last fall and impressed Harris during 7-on-7 competition this summer. Sophomore C.J. Sellers (5-6, 140) adds depth.

A pair of seniors lead the receiver corps. Karson Collatt (5-10, 165) possesses 4.5 speed and bench presses 285 pounds. He has college interest from the likes of Arkansas Tech, Henderson State, and Hendrix. Classmate Will Carter (5-10, 180) runs precise routes, Harris said. 

Senior Corey Anderson (5-10, 175) could make a difference this season with his 4.6 speed as he has shined in 7-on-7 play. Junior Jacobi Lea (6-2, 160) and sophomores Easton Snellings (5-7, 165) and Hudson James (6-4, 175) will also push for snaps. 

Senior Jon Curtis Barger (5-11, 200) gets the starting nod at tight end after playing behind standout Bronson Coolis. Sophomore Baylor Dyson (6-4, 200) and Max Gist (5-10, 200) add to the mix.

Two seniors anchor the line. Garrett Pilkington (6-2, 270) could fill in at center or tackle after starting at center last fall. Madison Heard (6-1, 290) returns at left tackle. Classmate Caleb Johnson (6-0, 255) is a candidate at center and guard. Senior Eli Cunningham (6-0, 275) could fill a tackle spot after a knee injury ended his season last summer.

Senior Kasen Wright (6-0, 220) is seeking snaps on the line and junior Sam Harris (5-11, 230) adds depth, along with classmate Jaren Ginther (6-0, 265) and sophomore Barrett Petet (6-1, 275). Harris had high hopes for junior Brody James (6-1, 280) to fill in in the interior, but a back injury has sidelined him, and his status for this season is uncertain. 

Junior Gabe Wilbur (5-9, 150) served as the backup kicker last fall behind standout Garrett Honeycutt. Wilbur looks to fill that spot and will also compete for the punting job that classmate Dawson Daves (5-10, 185) claimed last fall averaging 36 yards per boot. Senior Gavin Betts (5-8, 165) is also in the mix, with all kickers in a competition for the starting spot.

Defense

Harris and his staff spent the spring and summer auditioning replacements for a slew of departed defensive stars. 

The defensive line was especially decimated with five graduated seniors. Juniors Carson Conyers (6-0, 250), who saw some action in 2024, and Avian Beard (5-10, 220) along with sophomore Drake Woodard (6-3, 230) have shown promise at defensive end. Others competing for snaps on the line are juniors Dakota Manchack (6-0, 220), Aiden Guinn (5-9, 195), and Jonathan Bianchi (6-1, 230). 

Junior Weston Monson (6-3, 185) impressed as a backup last season, rotating at inside linebacker. He has 4.66 speed and a 6-foot-5 wingspan. Senior Antonio Shelton (6-1, 195) backs the starting lineup at linebacker after playing behind star Walter Hicks. Shelton could be “the leader of the defense” and power cleans 275 pounds. 

Junior Bryson Matyja (6-0, 220) is the leading candidate in the middle after moving from the defensive line. Senior Konnor Stephens (5-9, 175), who has a nose for the ball, is a welcome addition. Classmate Noah Roberson (5-10, 200) adds depth. 

Senior cornerback Trevon Stewart (5-8, 160) started every game at cornerback for the Panthers in 2024. Stewart, who was offered by Arkansas-Monticello, ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at a camp this summer. Classmate Cordell Payne (5-9, 175) started at free safety last fall. 

Senior Messiah Holloway (5-9, 155) missed all of last season with a knee injury but will see snaps this fall. His brother Major Holloway (5-10, 175), a junior, adds depth on the outside, as does sophomore A.P. Lewis (5-10, 165). 

Senior Gunner Deaton (5-8, 175) starts at safety after missing 2024 with an injury. He won the 181-pound class at the state weightlifting meet, with a bench press of 335 pounds and a power clean of 265. Senior Logan Hipskind (6-0, 170) returned to football in the offseason and should contribute at safety. Sophomores Jude Turner (5-9, 175) and Austin Hill (6-0, 180), who pitched on the varsity baseball team as a freshman, add depth.