Benton (2-1) at Herrin (2-1)

by Steve Dunford

I am going to feature the cheerleaders for each of the four schools in each photo. (Thank you Lana Smothers for letting me use the photos.)

The Benton Rangers pitched a shutout last week against Pinckneyville 41-0.  Quarterback Hamilton Page passed for five touchdowns.

Herrin went into VanMater field in DuQuoin and fell to the Herrin Tigers 21-17.

This is what Ranger coach Bob Pankey has to say about tonight’s matchup, “Herrin will play a ground and pound style of offense and will attempt to control the clock. They will get their yards but we have to find opportunities to get their offense off the field.

Offensively, they are bigger than we are upfront so we have to utilize our athleticism and quickness to our advantage and get in space as much as possible.”

I watched the Herrin-Carterville game on film.  Here were a few things I picked up on.  Herrin did not go to the air too much, but have three outstanding guys in the backfield in Kyle Matusczak, Tate Johnson, and Jake Gosha, who seems like he has been in high school eight years.

I was impressed with Herrin’s offensive line, they kept Luke Ford in check, as he is a DE on defense.  I have not watched DuQuoin play yet, but Herrin so far is the best all around team that I have watched play this year. I am setting my DVR to watch Carterville-DuQuoin tonight on WPSD gridiron glory.

Carterville had a tough time getting their passing game going against Herrin.  They kept Ford under control on the offensive side of the ball.

The Rangers will be playing in Week 10.  This is a game that will help them come playoff time.  Benton is a very good football team.  However, I am going with the Tigers by 10.  I will be rooting for the Rangers down at Taylor Field.