by Steve Dunford
The Benton Rangers in Week One put together a stellar effort against the Carterville Lions, before falling late 28-15. The game was tied going into the fourth quarter.
The Rangers against Carterville last Friday night. (Thank you Lana Schilli for use of the picture.)
Watching the game film last week, two of the things that impressed me was how Hamilton Page threw strikes to his intended targets, spreading it out to their intended receivers. Also he called several names as well, as they spread the wealth among their running backs.
Both the offensive and defensive lines kept Luke Ford in check most of the game, especially the O’line.
Tonight Benton travels to Sparta, who lost to Freeburg last week 62-18. Here is what Ranger Coach Bob Pankey had to say about tonight’s matchup. “The keys for us will be to establish offensive momentum early, just like we did last Friday against Carterville, and defensively, to not give up big plays.”
We will go with the same lineup for the most part. We will also make a conscious effort to try to keep kids as fresh as possible as the game progresses. Having watched the game film from last Friday night, I felt like we played very hard and competed well to the end.
Defensively, we flew around and played physical. Offensively, we have to control the line of scrimmage a bit better, but we were able to work our pass game well, especially early on in the game. I feel like are poised to be able to climb and continue to get better, there are lots of good things we can continue to build on.”
From what I watched last Friday night, this could be a Ranger team that will be in the thick of things in the SIRR Ohio. Harrisburg established themselves as the frontrunner after what they did at Mt. Carmel last Friday.
There are two games that I am going to pay close attention to tonight to see how the SIRR-Ohio will stack up. That will be A-J and Murphysboro, and Carterville and Herrin. I will watch the video of Carterville and Herrin this weekend. If Muphy archives it (I know they have live video), I will watch the other game as well.
One thing I am starting to learn is keep game notes, programs, and every scribble mark from each game. I remember from last year there was a very good QB and receiver that were freshmen that came in against West Frankfort last year when the game got out of reach.
Sparta always has good athletes and known as a track school. Their football program has suffered over the last few years. Tonight I am going with the Rangers in a 20 point win. I will be writing a preview for a game in week 10 if this Benton bunch continues to build on week one.
If you can’t make the trip to Randolph County tonight, join Travis Severin and Danny Czerwinski on Q106.
Link to the Benton News preview.
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