Danny Czerwinski, Section618.com
Benton — High school football is a sprint during the regular season and the first two weeks can define a season. It is much easier to make the playoffs at 2-0 and 1-1 compared to 0-2. With a non- conference matchup of two teams in search of that first win of the season, it was Benton who took the needed to steps to get that first win over Chester 57-0.
The Rangers defense asserted itself early with an opening stop of the Chester offense. It was Benton who scored with an efficient opening drive. Tiffin Kouzoukas found Riley Spencer for a 19 yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked and Benton lead 6-0 with 6:53 left in the first quarter.
After a series of interceptions, it was Benton finally taking advantage. It was a pick 6 returned 50 yards Izaiah Dalton for a touchdown. Chester was able to block the extra point but Benton lead after the first quarter 12-0.
The orange and black continued to struggle with the turnover bug. After a fumble, the Rangers were able to drive 5 plays on 57 yards in 2 minutes ending in a Kouzoukas 2 yard run. The extra point was good this time and Benton lead 19-0 with 7:50 left in the second quarter.
On the fourth turnover of the night by Chester, the Rangers took over and quickly scored in 15 seconds on a two play drive. Kouzoukas found Clay Gage open for a physical 27 yard touchdown catch to put Benton up 26-0.
The fifth interception of the game by Chester allowed the Rangers to cash in again. It was a 1 yard run by Kozoukas on the quarterback keeper and Benton lead 33-0 at the half.
On the last two drives the Rangers had 2 drives of 58 seconds total for 14 points. The defense for the maroon and white racked up 5 interceptions and sacked 7 times.
Starting the third quarter, the Rangers got a 41 yard field goal from Jesse Zepeda extended the lead to 36-0.
Benton continued to extend the lead and reached the running clock on the third touchdown run of the night by Kouzoukas. Two late touchdowns were added by the Rangers in the fourth quarter to give a final score of Benton winning 57-0.
The Rangers improve to 1-1 and travel to Murphysboro for a non-conference game. Chester drops to 0-2 and begins play in the Illinois Division of the Cahokia Conference hosting Freeburg.