Benton Brotherhood

By the time the lights come on this fall at Panther Stadium, the connection among quarterback Drew Davis and wide receivers Will Carter and Karson Collate will already be years in the making. 

Long before they were Panther starters, before the state 6A semifinal heartbreaks and the 7-on-7 wins, they were just three kids tossing a football around after school, building a bond that helps anchor the heart of Benton’s 2025 squad.

“We’ve been throwing together since seventh grade,” Davis said. “I’ve known Will and Karson since first grade. The chemistry is second to none.”

That chemistry isn’t just a feel-good detail for these seniors entering their final season of high school football, it’s a competitive advantage. In an era where rosters can shuffle with transfers and turnover, Benton’s elder trio offers something different: continuity, trust, and a shared purpose. And this year, with a younger supporting cast and a hunger to break through the semifinal wall, that bond could be the difference.

A Brotherhood Built Over Time

Carter, a senior wideout specializing in crisp route running, sees the connection as something deeper than just reps and timing. “We know how each other plays,” he said. “That bond makes everything smoother on the field.”

Collate agrees. “We just click. Our offense gives us a lot of freedom to adjust based on what we see, and that only works because we trust each other.”

The group’s trust extends beyond the field, as they spend time hanging out, hosting teammates, and building a camaraderie needed under pressure.

“We hang out all the time,” Davis said. “It makes the game easier and a lot more fun.”

From Setbacks to Senior Leadership

For Davis, this season marks a personal turning point. After playing through a broken foot last year, he enters his senior year fully healthy and fully confident. “Mentally, I’m in a much better place,” he said. “I’m not holding back anymore. I’m ready to compete.”

Davis’s mindset shift is critical. With a large senior class already graduated, he knows the team is looking to him not just to make plays, but to lead. “I’ve been working on being more vocal, keeping guys motivated, and stepping up when we face adversity,” he said.

Carter and Collate are right there with him. Both have embraced the responsibility of mentoring younger players, especially new starters like Corey Anderson and John Curtis Barker.

“It’s about getting them into the same mindset we’ve built over the years,” Carter said. “We’re showing them why certain things work, not just what to do, but how to think.”

“We’ve got a lot of guys who are hungry,” Collate added. “They’ve seen what it takes, and now it’s their turn to step up.”

The Semifinal Wall

For all their talent and chemistry, the Panthers have yet to reach the mountaintop of Arkansas high school football. Three straight semifinal exits have left a mark.

“Just barely missing the mark like that, it’s the worst feeling,” Collate said. “None of us wants to feel that again.”

Carter echoes the sentiment. “We’ve been stuck at that semifinal wall for too long,” he said. “We want to break through and make it to the state championship.”

This year’s team may not have the size or experience of last year’s squad, but Davis believes they have something just as valuable. “We’re not going to be the biggest or strongest,” he said. “But we’ll be well-coached and well-executed.”

Leadership Under Coach Brad Harris

That coaching starts with Brad Harris, a figure who’s played a big role in all three players’ lives. Harris has been a constant presence since their earliest days in the program, and his influence is felt far beyond the playbook.

“He’s someone you can always talk to,” Carter said. “Open, supportive, and always looking to help.”

“He’s all in,” Collate added. “You can tell how much he always cares about us staying focused and getting better.”

For Davis, the connection is personal. “He’s been there for me and my brothers,” he said. “He’s not just about the high school team; he’s at junior high and even elementary games. It’s a privilege to be his quarterback.”

Harris’ leadership has helped shape not just players, but young men. He emphasizes academics, character, and accountability. “He’s built a culture here,” Collate said. “It’s not just about football. It’s about doing things the right way.”

One Last Ride

As the Panthers prepare for another run at the title, the stakes feel higher. The 2025 campaign isn’t just the seniors’ final season; it’s one they’ve all built together.

“This is it,” Carter said. “We’ve grown up in this program. We’ve been through the ups and downs. Now it’s time to finish what we started.”

If they do, it won’t just be because of talent or scheme. It’ll be because of something deeper, a brotherhood forged over years, guided by a coach who believes in them and driven by a shared dream that’s been years in the making.