BENTON – The Benton Rangers forced three first half turnovers and turned two of those into touchdowns to pave the way for a 23-6 season-opening win over Carterville.

The Lions and Rangers both have very high expectations for this 2021 season. They met at Tabor Field in Benton Friday night on a very toasty and warm August night.

Carterville started the game with the ball for half of the first quarter but was unable to score, turning the ball over on downs deep in Benton territory. After forcing a three and out, the Lions got the ball back with good field position, but the Rangers forced a fumble and recovered in Carterville territory.

Benton cashed in on the turnover, marching down the field for the first points of the season as Keegan Glover ran for a 16-yard touchdown on fourth and four in the final seconds of the first quarter to lead 7-0.

Benton forced and recovered another fumble to start their next possession at the Carterville 42-yard line. The Rangers capitalized again as Jacob Kinsman plowed across the goal line for a 4-yard touchdown run and a 14-0 lead with 9:34 to go in the first half.

Isiah Ward intercepted a Lions’ pass at the Benton 35 for the Rangers third forced turnover of the half, but Carterville’s defense held to keep it a 14-0 game.

The Lions were able to gain some momentum right before the half. A roughing the passer penalty on the Rangers allowed Carterville a free play on the final play of the half, and the Lions would take advantage with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Hellriegel to Peyton Bittle. The two-point conversion was no good, so Benton led 14-6 at the half.

The second half started with the Rangers going 62 yards on the drive, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown run by Landon Bolen with 8:28 left in the 3rd quarter to put Benton up 20-6. The extra point kick was no good.

The only scoring the rest of the night came in the fourth quarter as the Rangers drove the ball for five minutes ending up in a 23-yard field goal by freshman Jesser Zepeda-Eber.

Benton (1-0) will travel to Sparta next Friday, while Carterville (0-1) will host Herrin for the Lions’ home opener.