Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
http://www.wsiltv.com/story/33771417/banterra-player-of-the-week
Please click on the link above to vote. Page threw for over 300 yards in Last Satruday’s win against West Frankfort. Rock scored four touchdowns in the Devil’s win over CZR Friday night. Herrin running back Jase Gosha is the third choice.
by Steve Dunford
WEST FRANKFORT, IL – My thoughts on this game were if Hamilton Page would pass for 250 yards plus the Benton Rangers would come away with the victory. In my very unofficial stats he was 26-34 and passed for 323 yards, he also had 63 yards rushing on the afternoon.
FCHS homecoming queen Cali Wright presiding over Yesterday afternoon’s parade
The Rangers took advantage of five West Frankfort turnovers in the first half, and raced to a 28-0 lead at halftime, and went on to defeat the West Frankfort Redbirds this afternoon 47-14 this afternoon at Johnson Field in West Frankfort. It was the 104th time these two teams have met, and I know it is about even over the years. Benton has won the last three, and nine out of the last eleven. It was also homecoming in West Frankfort,
On the first drive of the game the West Frankfort defense came out with some intensity as Benton was held to a six play drive, with Blake Engler picking up a big sack of Page rolling out of the pocket on 4th down and seven.
West Frankfort on the second play of their drive fumbles and gives the ball right back to the Rangers.
On a seven play drive Hamilton Page runs it in from seven yards at the 7:45 mark to put the Rangers on the board. The extra point from Ian McMahon was good to put the Rangers up 7-0.
WF then gives it right back to Benton on the second play of the drive on another fumble. The Redbirds get a quick stop.
After the Redbirds get the ball right back their ground game was effective. On the first play of the drive QB Connor Eaton found Kyle Hammers for a 31 yard pass right off the bat. That was the only yards the Redbirds would get in the air the rest of the day. The Redbirds grind it out using their running game in eight more plays to run out the clock in the first quarter with the score still being 7-0 Benton.
Immediately after the teams change sides, Eaton throws an interception. A penalty riddled drive that was featured by a 36 yard run by Hamilton Page and the Redbirds take over own downs.
It then looks like WF is in business again with their ground game. On the fifth play of the drive there is a Redbird fumble and Neal Carlton recovers deep in West Frankfort territory.
The Rangers have a quick three play drive with Page scoring another rushing touchdown with 5:26 to go in the first half. The kick from McMahon was good to put the Rangers up 14-0.
The second play of the next drive, Connor Eaton was then intercepted by Ty Gordon.
On a seven play drive Page has another run from five yards around the three minute mark of the first half, McMahon hits the extra point and it is 21-0 Benton.
On the first play of the next West Frankfort possession, Eaton is intercepted by Caleb Pemberton. Then Page finds Cade Thomas for a 25 yard touchdown pass at the 1:28 mark of the first half. The kick by McMahon was good and both teams go to the locker room with Benton up 28-0.
On the opening kickoff, Kyle Hammers has an awesome return that puts the Redbirds at the Ranger 15. Madison Allen scores on a six yard run to get the Redbirds on the board. The extra point failed and at the 10:44 mark of the third quarter, the score was 28-6, Rangers.
Page goes to the air and finds Joey Craig in the end zone on a very quick four play drive that Benton went to the air on. The extra point was no good, and at the 9:51 mark of the 3Q the score was 34-6 Benton.
The teams exchange drives at West Frankfort puts together a good drive, Benton and West Frankfort exchange three and outs.
A punt that looked like it was from a Ranger deflection, gives Benton very good field position at the 22. Blane Pankey rushes it in from the Redbird 18. The Kick from McMahon was good and the Rangers expanded the lead to 41-6 at the 3:45 mark of the third quarter. It was starting to shape up like things could begin to get very ugly, and continuous clock was coming down the pike.
When the Redbirds get the ball back, Madison Allen rushes in for a 66 yard touchdown run on the third play of the drive. Brendan Johnson runs in the two point conversion and the Redbirds cut into the huge Ranger lead 41-14.
Early in the 4th quarter, Hamilton Page rushes it in from the 18 to put the Rangers up 47-14, and that was the final on the afternoon. Both teams began to mix and match starters and subs the rest of the way.
Benton Coach Bob Pankey had this to say about this afternoon’s win, “I can’t say enough about out our kids. I thought they responded and bounced back well from last week (the loss against Herrin). This group of seniors has played at a high level and in big games in multiple sports.”
He also commented how receiver Bailey Hopson came up big for him and how he has improved throughout the year
West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery had this to say about this afternoon’s loss. “We did not execute, it is simple as that. They are a senior led team and they played like seniors. We are a sophomore and junior led team and we played like sophomores and Juniors.
Benton and West Frankfort have identical records of 1-1 in the SIRR Ohio, and 3-2 overall. Benton hosts the Harrisburg Bulldogs on Friday, who were 34-14 winners at Massac County last night. West Frankfort Travels to Murphysboro on Friday who fell to the Herrin Tigers 42-6 last night.
In the other game this afternoon the Vienna-Goreville Eagles defeated the Edwards County Lions, 19-13.
Benton (3-2)(1-1) 7 21 13 6 – 47
West Frankfort (3-2)(1-1) 0 0 14 0 – 14
PASSING:
Benton: Page 26-34 323, G.Gordon 1-2 4. West Frankfort: Eaton 1-5, 31 2INT
RUSHING:
Benton: Page 14-63, Pankey 6-29, Dunn 2-3. West Frankfort, Allen 17-142, Eaton 15-58, Cooksey 4-17, Hammers 3-9
RECIEVING:
Benton: Craig 5-89, Hopson 7-83, Thomas 5-49, Picklesmeyer 3-39, Stewart 2-35, Pankey 3-24 T. Gordon 1-4. West Frankfort: Hammers 1-31
TACKLES: (assisted or unassisted)
Benton: Pankey 8, Dunn 8, Carlton 7, Smothers 7,Sanders 3, Pemberton 3, Craig 2, Gordon 1, Stewart 1. West Frankfort: Souders 13, Brendan Johnson 10, Allen 7, Engler 6, Forgatch 6, Brock Johnson 5, VanZant 5, Cooper 4, Hammers 2, Kahl 2, Eaton 1, Croslin 1
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.
Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton (0-4) at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville (4-0)
Carmi- White County (2-2) at Fairfield (4-0)
Chester (2-2) at Johnston City (1-3)
Eldorado (3-1) at Hamilton County (0-4)
Edwards County (2-2) at Vienna-Goreville (2-2) 1:00 PM Saturday
Harrisburg (2-2) at Massac County (0-4) (0-1)
Murphysboro (1-3)(1-0) at Herrin (3-1)(1-0)
Benton (2-2)(0-1) at West Frankfort (3-1)(1-0) 12:00 p.m Saturday
Carterville (3-1)(1-0) at Anna Jonesboro (4-0)(1-0)
Pinckneyville (0-4)(0-1) at DuQuoin (3-1)(0-1)
Nashville (1-3)(0-1) at Sparta (1-3)(1-0)
Centralia (3-1)(1-0) at Belleville Altoff (4-0)(1-0)
Cahokia (1-3)(0-1) at Carbondale (1-3)(0-1)
Marion (1-0)(2-2) at Mt. Vernon (0-4)(0-1)
http://www.csnchicago.com/chicago-bulls/doug-collins-returns-bulls-senior-advisor
CHICAGO, IL (Vincent Goodwill, CSN Chicago. Please click on the link above for the full story and video of the press conference. Here is an excerpt below.)
In a surprise announcement, the Chicago Bulls have brought former coach Doug Collins back into the fold, naming him a senior advisor to Executive Vice President John Paxson.
NBA.com photo
Collins was a coach with the Bulls and regarded as one of the best basketball minds through his various stops through the NBA as well as his commentary for Turner Sports and ESPN. Collins held front office authority in Detroit after the Pistons drafted Grant Hill, so he’s familiar with the inner workings of the NBA.
More importantly, he coached Paxson during his three-year tenure as head coach, from 1986-1989, so one can presume Paxson will value Collins’ expertise and opinions. The two sides have been discussing a role for quite some time, so although the announcement is a surprise, the marriage didn’t come together hastily
http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20170915/herrin-beats-downs-benton-with-first-half-surge
HERRIN, IL – (Rick Hayes, Benton Evening News. Please click on the link for the full story. Here is an excerpt below)
Herrin senior running back Jase Gosha scored four touchdowns and rushed for over 100 yards in leading the Tigers to a 52-22 beatdown of River to River Conference foe, Benton, Friday night.
Gosha scored on runs of 5, 8, 25 and 9 yards — the first three coming in the first half — as Herrin rushed out to a 31-0 halftime lead.
Herrin improves to 3-1 while the Rangers fell to 2-2. Benton will travel to West Frankfort at noon next Saturday for Franklin County bragging rights. The Redbirds upset Harrisburg 37-21 on Friday.
The Tigers play host to Murphysboro Friday
West Frankfort 37 (3-1)(1-0) Harrisburg 21 (2-2)(1-0)
Herrin 52 (3-1)(1-0) Benton 22 (2-2)(0-1)
Murphysboro 42 (1-3)(1-0) Massac County 20 (0-4)(0-1)
Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn 46 (4-0) Johnston City 8 (1-3)
Edwards County 42 (2-2) Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton 6 (0-4)
Eldorado 38 (3-1) Carmi-White County 14 (2-2)
Chester 43 (2-2) Vienna Goreville 13 (2-2)
Fairfield 40 (4-0) Hamilton County 0 (0-4)
Carterville 20 (3-1)(1-0) DuQuoin (3-1)(0-1)
Anna Jonesboro 71 (4-0)(1-0) Nashville 41 (1-3)(0-1)
Sparta 28 (1-3)(1-0) Pinckneyville 7 (0-4)(0-1)
Centralia 42 (3-1)(1-0) Carbondale 21 (1-3)(0-4)
Belleville Altoff 55 (4-0)(1-0) Mt. Vernon 6 (0-4)(0-1)
Marion at Cahokia 2pm Saturday
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.
Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton (0-3) at Edwards County (1-2)
Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn (3-0) at Johnston City (1-2)
Carmi-White County (2-1) at Eldorado (2-1)
Vienna-Goreville (2-1) at Chester (1-2)
Fairfield (3-0) at Hamilton County (0-3)
Benton (2-1) at Herrin (2-1)
West Frankfort (2-1) at Harrisburg (2-1)
Massac County (0-3) at Murphysboro (0-3)
DuQuoin (3-0) at Carterville (2-1)
Anna-Jonesboro (3-0) at Nashville (1-2)
Sparta (0-3) at Pinckneyville (0-3)
Belleville Altoff (3-0) at Mt. Vernon (0-3)
Marion (1-2) at Cahokia (1-2)
Carbondale (1-2) at Centralia (2-1)
Story from the Benton Evening News
http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20170908/rangers-blitz-pinckneyville-41-0
Pinckneyville 0 0 0 0 0
Benton 6 14 21 0 41
SCORING PLAYS
Benton 1 12:00 #10 Hamilton Page pass complete to #4 Cade Thomas for 23 yards. Touchdown! (Point after kick by #1 Ian McMahon blocked) 6-0 Benton
Benton 2 12:00 #10 Hamilton Page pass complete to #7 Neal Carlton for 12 yards. Touchdown! (Point after kick by #1 Ian McMahon no good) 12-0 Benton
Benton 2 12:00 #10 Hamilton Page runs for 5 yards. Touchdown! (Two point conversion pass by #10 Hamilton Page to #7 Neal Carlton good) 20-0 Benton
Benton 3 12:00 #10 Hamilton Page pass complete to #7 Neal Carlton for 33 yards. Touchdown! (Point after kick by #1 Ian McMahon good) 27-0 Benton
Benton 3 12:00 #10 Hamilton Page pass complete to #7 Neal Carlton for 19 yards. Touchdown! (Point after kick by #1 Ian McMahon good) 34-0 Benton
Benton 3 12:00 #15 Andrew Dunn runs for 12 yards. Touchdown! (Point after kick by #1 Ian
McMahon good) 41-0 Benton
