Cabot JH 21 Benton JH 12

Benton, AR — September 18, 2025

It was a night of grit and heart for Benton Junior High football as both the 8th and 9th grade Panthers took the field against Cabot in a pair of hard-fought matchups that showcased the program’s depth and determination.

The 8th grade Panthers set the tone early, jumping out to a 6–0 lead in the first quarter and never trailing. Bennett Bradford broke loose for a long touchdown run in the second, and Jacob Dixon’s tough running helped set up another score in the third. Braxton Fullerton added a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to extend the lead, and despite a late 99-yard kickoff return by Cabot, Benton held firm for a 27–13 win.

The 9th grade game followed with a more dramatic arc. Cabot leaned heavily on their ground game, led by number 40, who racked up 167 rushing yards and a touchdown. Benton’s defense, though tested, responded with grit—Carlos Welch led the team with 11 tackles, while Oliver Clark delivered a standout performance with six tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss. Shawn Koba added five tackles and a key stop behind the line.

Late in the first half, Benton’s defense delivered a crucial stand after Cabot forced a turnover during a promising Panther drive. Clark blew up a pass attempt to close the half, keeping the score within reach. In the third quarter, a controversial no-call on a Cabot fumble led to another touchdown for the visitors, but Benton answered immediately. Manny Payne fielded the ensuing onside kick and raced 55 yards to the end zone, cutting the deficit to 14–6.

Special teams continued to shine. Witt Brothers executed two textbook onside kicks—one recovered by Cabot, the other by Benton. After Camari Leaks broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run, Benton’s two-point attempt was denied, leaving the score at 14–12. With time winding down, Benton recovered another onside kick and mounted a final drive. Coach Parker called a timeout to set up a fourth-down play, but the pass fell incomplete. Cabot sealed the win with one final long touchdown run, ending the game at 21–12.

Though the scoreboard favored Cabot, the Panthers showed resilience, creativity, and flashes of brilliance across all phases of the game. With standout efforts from Leaks, Payne, Farmer, and a defense that refused to quit, Benton continues to build momentum heading into next week’s road test against Conway.andout efforts from Leaks, Payne, Farmer, and a defense that refused to quit, Benton continues to build momentum heading into next week’s road test against Conway.