by Steve Dunford
The Redbird football team and cheerleaders on their float in the Homecoming Parade. It is traditionally homecoming for the host school in the Benton-West Frankfort game.
The Benton Rangers and the West Frankfort Redbirds will be facing off in their traditional Saturday afternoon game on week five.
I have read several social media posts from both towns, concerned about the heat and the players’ safety Over the last several years, I can only think of one year that is was not blazing hot in this matchup. It was two years ago, as it was overcast and in the 60’s.
It seems like the game is in the heart of “Indian Summer” in Southern Illinois. It would take a lot of logistic work, but I think it would be awesome to play the game on Week 8. There would be a better chance that it would be cooler. It would also have a playoff feel to it. It would be extra special if both teams were contending for a SIRR Ohio Division crown.
In the fourth quarter there were kids from both teams puking on the sidelines last year. There were also a lot of leg cramps from dehydration. There have been suggestions on social media to play the game tonight. The problem would be getting officials on short notice.
The Rangers are coming off of a 52-22 loss to the Herrin Tigers. For the second year in a row, the Redbirds are coming in off of an upset of the Harrisburg Bulldogs. They were winners last week on the road at Taylor Field 37-21.
Here is what West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery had to say about the win at Harrisburg. “Without a doubt getting the “W” against a very physical Harrisburg Team on the road was a huge accomplishment for this young Redbird Football Team. It is my hope we can build from this win, and continue to grow as a team.”
It is going to be a game of contrasting styles. Benton likes to go to the air. West Frankfort likes to run the ball. Both defenses hit hard and are stingy.
Benton QB Hamilton Page has been throwing consistently for over 200 yards each game. I have only watched the Rangers one time this year and that was on film against Carterville. It seems like on the stat sheets there are about five receivers he throws to, with him hitting Joey Craig the most.
West Frankfort racked up over 400 yards on the ground against Harrisburg. The faces has changed but the style of play hasn’t. Instead of Brandon Berry and Justin Tomoanovich, it is Connor Eaton and Madison Allen.
I asked Benton Coach Bob Pankey his thoughts coming into the West Frankfort game and how the Rangers plan to attack the ground game. “Except for the Herrin game, we have defended the run fairly well this year thus far. Our linebacker play has been good and I expect that to be the case Saturday. Obviously, Eaton allen Allen will be loads and we will have to tackle well and get 11 hats to the ball.”
“The West Frankfort offensive line is big (as usual) and their “1/2 Punch” of Eaton and Allen are as good as anyone in Southern Illinois. We will need to play sound, assignment conscious football, and tackle well. If we do that, I feel our offense will be able to do some things.”
I also asked Coach Beery his thoughts on the Rangers and how the Redbirds plan to defend the Benton air assault. “Benton will probably be the biggest challenge we’ve faced this season in terms of being attacked through the air. Teams have challenged our defensive linemen and linebackers, and as a result they have gotten better each week.”
“Benton will challenge our linebackers’ and defensive backs’ training this week. We will need to be sound in our coverage, and be tenacious in our pursuit of the ball when it’s in the air. We must make sure that Benton’s receivers pay for any catches they make. We can’t just tern this game into a 7-on-7 tournament. Also, Page must not be allowed to scramble, we must keep him contained to the pocket and be sound in our pass rush.”
I know I usually give you a prediction. First I am not being wishy-washy here. I have through out some numbers a lot of times writing basketball previews, and I am going to handle it this way.
There are two important numbers 250 and 350. If Hamilton Page throws for over 250 yards, the Rangers will most likely pick up the win If the Redbirds run for over 350 yards, they will most likely pick up the win.
When I was thinking about what to say this week, I also thought of the possibility these numbers might be achieved by both teams.
Coach Beery referred to it as a 7 on 7 tournament. I was thinking Arena Football. It might look like a basketball score.
As fans I think we are in for a dandy. There will be some playoff implications. I also think the winner will have the upper hand in finishing as high as second in the conference. It will be an honor to cover the game. I am looking forward to it and pumped.
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