Benton bows out of the Harrisburg sectionals to the state champs, the JC Indians in 1929

by Steve Dunford

The Benton Rangers ended their 1929 campaign falling to the Johnston City Indians, 29-28 in the Harrisburg Sectional.  The Rangers were coached by H.B. Tabor, finished their campaign with a 21-7 record.   It sounds like JC went for the two point conversion in the last seconds, instead of kicking the extra point.

Johnston City was coached by LaRue VanMeter.  They were 31-3 on the season defeating Champaign 30-21 in the title game.  I remember their old gym had 1929 State Champs painted on one end of the floor.

Harrisburg Sectional

Johnston City 20-15 Harrisburg

Pinckneyville 42-18 Simpson

Benton 32-20 Anna

Johnston City 21-15 Pinckneyville

Johnston City 29-28 Benton

JOHNSTON CITY (29): Davidson 12, Hafell 6, Suduris 6, Pierce 2, Baline 2, Groves 1.

BENTON (28): Mundy 11, Foulk 9, Manis 5, Henry 2, Eskew 1.

1928-29

Quarterfinals

Champaign (H.S.) 43, Mt. Carmel 30

Freeport (H.S.) 30, Wheaton (H.S.) 28

Peoria (H.S.) 27, Witt 18

Johnston City 14, Lincoln 9

Semifinals

Champaign (H.S.) 40, Freeport (H.S.) 24

Johnston City 19, Peoria (H.S.) 15

Third Place

Freeport (H.S.) 27, Peoria (H.S.) 15

Championship

Johnston City 30, Champaign (H.S.) 21