Payne Bros

Athletes will tell you a team is like a family. Teammates become like your siblings; coaches often take on parental roles, and the bonds formed can often last a lifetime.

For Benton Panthers senior wide receiver Elias Payne and junior free safety Cordell Payne, those sibling bonds are a bit more real and have been in place for almost 20 years. The two took the field together last season in Benton’s 10-2 run to a conference title and the Arkansas 6A state semifinals, and both are excited to do it again this year.

“I’m really proud of [Cordell],” said Elias. “He had a good sophomore season and grew a lot as a player, I think. He’s working hard every day to be the best he can be coming into this season.”

“We do give each other a hard time a lot because it helps us be better,” said Cordell. “[Elias] pushes me, and if I make a mistake, he’s going to let me know. If he messes up, I Iet him know, too. We’re always motivating each other.”

Elias has spent the last few months rehabilitating an injury sustained during Benton’s seven-on-seven camps. “I sprained a ligament in my right foot during a tackle,” he said. 

But the injury won’t keep Elias sidelined leading into his senior season. This is a much different story from last year, when he was forced to miss Benton’s season opener against Bryant in the 2023 Salt Bowl because of a torn patella tendon and chipped bone in his right knee. 

“It just gave out on me,” he said. “I was kicking a football one day at practice for the punt team. It tore completely, so I had to go get surgery.”

After missing the Salt Bowl, Elias returned the following week against Sylvan Hills. “My first game was really good, and I felt outstanding. And after that, they just rose from there.”

Throughout the remainder of the season, he amassed more than 1,100 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns.

In addition to being named an All-State wide receiver, Elias is also a standout in baseball and golf, earning All-State honors in both sports. He’s also receiving considerable attention from several in-state schools, including Ouachita Baptist, Henderson State, UCA, and the University of Arkansas-Monticello. “I know I’ll have a choice to make, but I’m battling between three sports, right now, so we’ll see.”

For younger brother, Cordell, the offseason has consisted of seven-on-seven camps, working out and watching film in preparation for his junior year. As a defender, he played cornerback most of the season and thinks a move to free safety is possible this year. Cordell will also enter the 2024 season expecting to be a leader for the Panther defense.

“I’m excited,” he said. “I had a good sophomore season and am looking forward to my junior season. Last year, I had a lot to learn stepping up from junior high. As the season went on, though, things started making more sense, and I’m looking forward to where I can go.”

To stay sharp, Cordell and his teammates have spent much of their offseason together, working out, relaxing, and bonding through fishing at a friend’s pond.

“There are six or seven of us, and we just love to get out there and fish,” he said. “Some of the other guys may be too busy, but that doesn’t stop us from going out there every chance we get. 

“The biggest one I’ve caught was a six-pound bass,” he added. “I’ll never forget that one, for sure.”

Something else Cordell won’t forget is the first time he walked through the tunnel at War Memorial Stadium ahead of the 2023 Salt Bowl. “It’s a great feeling,” he said. “The first time I came out last year, I had to take a deep breath because it was such a big stage, you know? It was the biggest I’d ever been on, and I can’t wait to play on it again.”

When it comes to coaching siblings, Benton head coach Brad Harris remembers the privilege of coaching his own sons. He admits it can be tricky, with plenty of unexpected surprises from time to time.

“A lot of times, people think (brothers are) exactly the same: same household, surroundings and all that,” he said. “But mentally, you’ll find they’re often totally different, and that’s what you’re dealing with in Elias and Cordell. Elias is on the offensive side of the ball, and Cordell is on defense. They have different mannerisms and attack the game differently.

“It can be fun out here sometimes when guys might want to tie into a little bit,” Coach Harris added. “But with Cordell and Elias, they both have great attitudes toward the game and their teammates. I’m sure they may trash talk a bit when we have receivers taking on our defensive backs, but it sure is a lot of fun coaching these guys and their teammates.”