Ben’s Ford Christian School will face Benton Academy in the Eagles’ District 3AA opener tonight at home.
The Eagles enter tonight’s action with a 2-3 record and are attempting to snap a three-game losing streak. Last week, Ben’s Ford lost to Brookhaven Academy, 48-19. The Eagles trailed just 26-19 at halftime.
“We’re getting Adam Smith back. He plays defensive tackle and offensive tackle. It’s our first district game,” Ben’s Ford coach Dean King said. “We’re sitting pretty good as far as district goes and if we can win the game, that would help our chances of making the playoffs. We’re playing at home and we play better at home. Benton’s good at running the football, and if we can stop their run, I think we will have a chance to win the game.”
King talked about the importance of having Smith back.
“Adam’s a senior for us. He’s a leader. Just by having the senior leader back helps us out,” King said. “He plays hard and deficiency makes us much better — just by having his leadership and his spirit helps us out on the field.”
Ben’s Ford scored a touchdown defensively last Friday, when Jordan Provost intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. He intercepted two passes. Gate Tervalon and Jacob Seal scored touchdowns on 3 and 5-yard rushes, respectively.
Benton enters tonight’s game with a 1-4 record. Last week, Benton lost to Greenville Christian School, 25-14.
“Ben’s Ford is a scrappy bunch,” Benton coach Ken Burton said. “They do a lot of things offensively. We have to play responsible football. Defensively, they run around. We’re a lot like Ben’s Ford.
“We’re both looking for wins and this is the district opener for both of us. I think it’ll come down to who doesn’t make mistakes. We have to go out there and play sound football.”
Quarterback Harris Dooley has run for 427 yards.
Running back Bruner Chandler begins the week having rushed for 473 yards, while running back Cody Prescott has 427 rushing yards.
Wide receiver Clark Saxton has 15 catches while Joseph Mills is at 14.
Benton’s top defensive players are middle linebacker Shelton Appleton, outside linebacker Joseph Mills and tackle Gage Jones.