BJH PANTHERS SWEEP SEARCY

Manny Payne (2) follows his blockers for the Freshman Panthers first touchdown on Thursday in a 31-20 win at Searcy.

After surrendering a score in the final two minutes of the season opener at Pulaski Academy in a 28-22 loss, the Benton Freshman Panthers bounced back on Thursday in Searcy. A second consecutive road game to open the 2025 season resulted in a 31-20 victory to even the Freshman Panthers record at 1-1.

Camari Leaks had a stellar night for the Panthers, rushing 20 times for 129 yards and three touchdowns (38, 14, and 3 yards). Seth Farmer was a perfect 10 of 10 passing for 143 yards including a 73 yard touchdown pass to Manny Payne. Payne caught seven passes for 132 yards and added 12 yards on five carries, including a seven-yard touchdown run. Tyce Lewallen added a PAT for the Panthers.

The Panthers outgained the Lions 293 to 206 with a very balanced performance (150 rushing and 143 passing).

Benton was led defensively by linebacker Carlos Welch (seven tackles, sack), Nate Wagnon (five tackles including a tackle-for-loss) and Oliver Clark (four tackles including a tackle-for-loss).

The Panther offensive line of Hayden Alsup, Easton Frazier, Simon Kenreich, J.J. Stephens and James Zaremba did a great job protecting Farmer and opening holes for Benton’s running attack.

The 8^th grade Panthers also evened their record at 1-1 with a 42-20 win over Searcy in Thursday’s opening game. Braxton Fullerton connected with Jacob Dixon on touchdown passes of 58 and 23 yards. Dixon also had an 81 yard kickoff return to set up a Panther score. Bennett Bradford had touchdown runs of 37 and two yards. The defense also got in on the scoring as Easton Castillo had a pick-six and Samuel May recorded a safety. Brayden Bohanan converted three PATs for the Panthers.

Both Junior High teams will host Pine Bluff on Thursday with the 8^th grade game set to kick off at 5:30 with the Freshman game to follow.