Danny Czerwinski, Section618.com
Benton — Homecoming is a week full of fun for any high school. The players love it while the coaches hope the focus for the game isn’t lost. Nashville came in having never lost to Benton on the football field. The Rangers wanted to end that streak and it did winning in exciting fashion 42-38.
It didn’t take long for the first score. The Hornets employed fast break offense with quick play calls and marched down the field for the first touchdown of the game. It was a 6 play drive, going 72, yards in less than 2 minutes resulting in a JT Malawy to Sam Kollbaum strike of 12 yards. The 2 point conversion was good and Nashville led 8-0.
Before the homecoming crowd could relax, the Hornets scored again. This time it was a 36 yard pick 6 by Will Diedrich with a good 2 point conversion. Nashville led Benton 16-0 with 8:50 left in the first quarter.
Benton was able to get their sea legs finally on offense. Tiffin Kouzoukas found Grant Owens for 34 yards and the Rangers got back to within 16-6 to end the first quarter.
The second quarter was add more water, get more offense, and get more points scored. Benton struck first. They took the onside kick from the previous score and got a 17 yard win from Lucas Kinsman to draw the Rangers to within 16-13 with 9:57 left in the second quarter.
Nashville got back into the offensive groove after taking a bit to score. Malawy was able to find Isaac Blazier for a 39 yard touchdown pass, the 2 point conversion was good, and Nashville regained a 2 score lead of 24-13.
Just before half, Benton was able to get back some of the deficit. Kouzoukas found Owens for 30 yards. At the half, it was Nashville leading Benton 24-21.
The excitement didn’t end with the half homecoming festivities. It was plenty of offense, big plays and lots more points. Nashville extended their lead to 32-21 after 1 yard run by Sam Kolbaum with 9:13 left in the third. Benton answered back with a drive of their own ending in a Kouzoukas to Jesser Zepeda for 12 yards and the Rangers got back to within 32-28.
Scoring in the third quarter wasn’t over. Kouzoukas ran the ball in from 3 yards out to give the Rangers a 34-32 lead at the end of the third quarter.
On the ensuing Nashville drive, it was time for the Benton defense. The Rangers sacked Malawy in the end zone for a safety and the Rangers extended their lead to 36-32 at the start of the fourth quarter.
Nashville bounced back into the lead with 5 minutes left when Noah Miller ran in from 2 yards out to put the Hornets up 38-36.
For the final time and score of the game, the Rangers took the lead for good. Kouzoukas was able to wrap up a long scoring drive with a 5 yard run giving the Rangers the final lead of the game at 42-38.
The Rangers improve to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the Mississippi Division. They will travel to West Frankfort next week. Nashville drops to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the Mississippi Division. They will travel to Pinckneyville next week.