Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Link to the story from Rick Hayes – Benton News
http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/article/20171007/sports/171009865/
Link to the story from Richard Blakley – Benton News
Link to the story from Jimmy Dean – Benton News
Link to the story from Dave Broy – westfrankfortsports.com
Results from IHSA Regional at Hickory Ridge
Carbondale- 311 (advances to sectional)
BENTON – 315 (advances to sectional)
Massac – 316 (advances to sectional)
Herrin – 324
West Frankfort- 336
Marion – 339
Mt. Vernon – 341
Benton Scoring:
Eldon Owens – 75
Brendan Luster – 76
Robbie Moore – 81
Brad Hammond – 83
Up Next: Salem Sectional Monday Oct. 9th
From the Benton Rangers Golf Facebook Page
For West Frankfort results, please click on the following link from westfrankfortsports.com
http://westfrankfortsports.com/dorris-johnson-wolfe-advance-to-the-class-a-golf-sectional-p785-165.htm
SD
by Steve Dunford
MURPHYSBORO, IL – “That was crazy, I am glad we came out of here with a win. I will have a much better weekend”, said West Frankfort coach Brian Beery. “We are coming a long way as a team. I am proud of my guys. They never quit, said Murphysboro coach Gary Carter. Carter was honored last night for picking up his 100th win as a coach. In week five the Red Devils defeated Massac County 42-20, for the Devils first win of the season.
Carter was an eyelash away from picking up win 101 Friday night. I have been around sports a long time. Last night down at Murphy is one of those games I will tell my grandkids one day when they are sitting on my knee.
Here is where things started. The Redbirds just went up 36-20 at the 7:48 mark on a three yard run by Madison Allen. Ben Souders forced a fumble on the first play of the fourth quarter. The Redbirds were very conservative on that drive, being a one possession game and the clock was their best friend.
On the second play of the drive at the 7:14 mark of the fourth quarter the Johnson brothers came up big. Brendan stripped the ball and Brock recovered a fumble.
With West Frankfort up 14 with the ball, there was a mass exodus of Red Devil fans.The Redbirds were taking their time on what was an eight play drive.
I was making my way to the field, as time was under the two minute mark to catch up with the coaches. The Redbirds were taking their time, on what was an eight play drive. They were smelling victory. They get the ball to the Murphysboro five.
I was thinking on the next play WF would take a knee. There was a low snap that Connor Eaton fumbled. It was loose on the field. Jordan Haskins recovered at his own 15, broke several tackles, and scored. Braden Caldwell ran in the two point conversion to cut Frankfort’s lead to 36-28.
The pandemonium continued. The Red Devils attempted an on side kick. The ones across the way were claiming Muphy touched the ball. On my end, it looked like it struck Madison Allen’s ankle, and he was out of bounds. Caldwell recovers and the ball is awarded the Murphysboro. There was a lot of barking from the Redbird faithful, who was outnumbering the Red Devil fans at this point in the game.
The next drive started at the Murphysboro 48. The Red Devils had all their time outs left and went to the air. Quarterback Jamar McZeke finds Haskins in the end zone with a 22 yard pass with :28 to go. Caldwell runs it in for the two point conversion to tie it at 36.
The Redbirds come out and run one play and the game goes into overtime. Murphy wins the coin toss, and elects to defer.
Madison Allen scores on fourth down and six inches to put the Redbirds up 42-36. It was the sixth fourth down conversion on the night for the Red Devils.
Murphy goes to the air on first and fourth down. Allen came up with two big tackles on Caldwell. The Big Red Army goes nuts, as they escaped out of Jackson County with the win.
Now lets rewind to the beginning. On the kickoff Brock Johnson recovers a fumble. Four plays later Eaton scores on a five yard run at the 10:30 mark. He rushed for 180 yards on 21 carries. The two point conversion failed and West Frankfort led 6-0.
Murphy answers back at the 6:52 mark with an 11 yard run from Zane Caraway. He led Murphysboro with 115 yards on the night. The extra point failed, and it was all knotted up at six.
The Redbirds did not waste anytime answering back. Allen scores with 15 of his 151 yards on the night. He took in in on the two point conversion, and it was 14-6 WF. The eight yard drive was featured by Eaton hitting Kyle Hammers for a 20 yard pass. Allen also broke loose for a 26 yard run on the drive on fourth down.
Murphy answers back with an eight play drive. Caraway scored a TD with a five yard run at the :48 mark of the first quarter. The conversion failed and it was 14-6 West Frankfort at the end of the quarter. Caldwell had a 30 yard run on the drive. He had 73 yards on the night.
The Redbirds get back on the board again with a ten yard run by Eaton. Allen picks up the conversion and it was 22-12 Redbirds at the 8:11 mark in the first half.
Murphysboro answers back at the 3:48 mark of the first half with an 11 play drive. Jake Hoppenstedt picks up a touchdown with a five yard run. McZeke completes a pass to Caldwell for the two point conversion. The Red Devils cut the West Frankfort lead to 22-20,
The Redbirds don’t waste any time to answer back. Eaton runs it in from mid field at the 1:05 mark. He also picks up the two point conversion as both teams go to the locker room 30-20.
The score remained the same until the bizarre events of the night broke out at the top of the story.
Going into the game, It was a must win for the situation for the Redbirds to keep their playoff aspirations alive. They currently sit at 23 points. To get in, they will have to be 6-3. I think WF is in good shape. It would be the upset of the decade if they knock off the Herrin Tigers next week at the Graveyard II.
I think you could count them as heavy favorites against Massac County and Nashville. If the Redbirds take care of business, they are in.
With the enrollment falling, I see the Redbirds solidly in 3A this year. I need to do some research this week on some teams in the central part of the state in case the IHSA divides the state into quadrants. In 3A they do that a lot.
Potential opponents for the Redbirds would be, the Fairfield Mules, a rematch with Anna-Jonesboro, or possibly an all Franklin County matchup facing the S-V-W-W Red Devils at Carroll Kelly field.
Dropping to 1-5, Murphysboro was officially eliminated from the playoffs. With all the sophomores they play, they will be a very dangerous team in the River-to-River.
(6-0) *Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn 20 Chester 6 (3-3)
(5-1) *Eldorado 54 Christopher-Zeigler Royalton 6 (0-6)
(6-0) *Fairfield 50 Edwards County 0 (2-4)
(3-3) Carmi-White County 44 Johnston City 14 (1-5)
Hamilton County (0-5) at Vienna-Goreville (3-2)
(4-2)(2-1) West Frankfort 44 Murphysboro 38 OT (1-5)(1-2)
(4-2)(2-1) Benton 35 Harrisburg 28 (3-3)(1-2)
(5-1)(3-0) Herrin 49 Massac County 0
(6-0)(3-0) *Anna Jonesboro 35 Pinckneyville 0 (0-6)(0-3)
(4-2)(2-1) Carterville 54 Nashville 21 (3-3)(1-2)
(5-1)(2-1) DuQuoin 55 Sparta 20 (1-5)(1-2)
(5-1)(2-1) Belleville Altoff 32 Marion 28 (3-3)(2-1)
(5-1)(3-0) Centralia 41 Cahokia 30 (2-4)(1-2)
(2-4)(1-2) Carbondale 41 Mt. Vernon 8 (0-6)(0-3)
*Clinched playoff spot
by Steve Dunford
The West Frankfort Redbirds travel to Murphysboro this evening to take on the Red Devils at the mid-point of the SIRR Ohio seasons. Both teams are coming of shellackings in Week 5. Murphysboro fell to Herrin 42-6, and the Redbirds fell to their arch rivals, the Benton Rangers 47-14.
This is what Murphysboro coach Gary Carter had to say about the season so far. “We are 1-4, we are playing a lot of younger kids in every phase of the game. It has been a difficult season for us, but we like our younger players and feel they can compete.
“Our QB is Sophomore Jamarr McZeke, also in the offensive backfield is Senior Brandon Caldwell, Sophomore Zane Caraway and Sophomore Jake Hoppenstedt. Brandon, Zane and Jake will play on both sides of the ball for us.”
Here is what Coach Carter’s thoughts are on the Redbirds. “West Frankfort has good size and their running backs and QB run hard. Defensively, I think their linebacker core is solid and can cause teams problems. Coach Beery does a great job with his program and we know that West Frankfort will play hard.”
West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery had to say about the matchup against the Red Devils tonight, “Murphysboro is a very athletic/competitive team, regardless of their record. Their offense posses a lot of threats to our defense. They have great overall team speed, with a very athletic QB. Furthermore, they use a lot of motion and unbalanced formations that we will have to adjust to prior to the snap of the ball.
Their defense is very aggressive, and have defensive linemen that are not only big, but quick. In order to be competitive we will have to play good sound football. We can’t afford to lose the turnover battle, and we must limit our penalties.”
We are getting down the home stretch of the season. It is the time of year that is fun for number crunching geeks and bracketologists like me.
Tonight’s game is a must win if the Redbirds have playoff hopes for two reasons, first it will be important to come out of the gates strong after last week’s loss to Benton. Second, with the lack of points, the Redbirds will have to be 6-3 to get in. Between Sparta, Pinckneyville and Nashville, there will probably only be at the most seven or eight points between the three.
Barring injuries and other unforeseen circumstances as of now the Redbirds will be the favorites against Massac County and Nashville. Even though DuQuoin beat them earlier in the year, I see Herrin running the table in the conference.
So that comes to tonight’s game. I think last Saturday was some growing pains for the team. I think we will see a Redbird team that will come out ready to play tonight.
I am going with the Redbirds by ten points tonight.
Eldorado (4-1) at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton (0-5)
Chester (3-2) at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville Woodlawn (5-0)*
Edwards County (2-3) at Fairfield (5-0)*
Johnsotn City (1-4) at Carmi-White County (2-3)
Hamilton County (0-5) at Vienna-Goreville (3-2) Saturday 1:00 p.m.
Harrisburg (3-2)(1-1) at Benton (3-2)(1-1)
West Frankfort (3-2)(1-1) at Murphysboro (1-4)(1-1)
Herrin (4-1)(2-0) at Massac County (0-5)(0-2)
Anna-Jonesboro (5-0)(2-0) at Pinckneyville (0-5)(0-2)
Nashville (2-3)(1-1) at Carterville (3-2)(1-1)
DuQuoin (4-1)(1-1) at Sparta (1-4)(1-1)
Belleville Altoff (4-1)(1-1) at Marion (3-2)(2-0)
Cahokia (2-3)(1-1) at Centralia (4-1)(2-0)
Carbondale (1-4)(0-2) at Mt. Vernon (0-5)(0-2)
http://www.dailyregister.com/sports/20170926/prep-golf-benton-nashville-claim-sirr-titles
CARBONDALE, IL – (Harrisburg Register. Please Click on the link above for the full story. Here is an excerpt below.)
At the Southern Illinois River-To-River Conference Golf Tournament Tuesday, Benton won the Ohio, while Nashville cruised to the Mississippi Division title.
The Rangers’ 309, was better than a 324 by Herrin, who just edged out Massac County, who shot a 327. West Frankfort took fourth in the Ohio with a 336.
Benton’s Brendan Luster, Herrin’s Drew Ringle and Massac County’s Brock Willmes all had the low score of the tournament as the three shot a 75.
by Steve Dunford
WEST FRANKFORT, IL – My thoughts on this game were if Hamilton Page would pass for 250 yards plus the Benton Rangers would come away with the victory. In my very unofficial stats he was 26-34 and passed for 323 yards, he also had 63 yards rushing on the afternoon.
FCHS homecoming queen Cali Wright presiding over Yesterday afternoon’s parade
The Rangers took advantage of five West Frankfort turnovers in the first half, and raced to a 28-0 lead at halftime, and went on to defeat the West Frankfort Redbirds this afternoon 47-14 this afternoon at Johnson Field in West Frankfort. It was the 104th time these two teams have met, and I know it is about even over the years. Benton has won the last three, and nine out of the last eleven. It was also homecoming in West Frankfort,
On the first drive of the game the West Frankfort defense came out with some intensity as Benton was held to a six play drive, with Blake Engler picking up a big sack of Page rolling out of the pocket on 4th down and seven.
West Frankfort on the second play of their drive fumbles and gives the ball right back to the Rangers.
On a seven play drive Hamilton Page runs it in from seven yards at the 7:45 mark to put the Rangers on the board. The extra point from Ian McMahon was good to put the Rangers up 7-0.
WF then gives it right back to Benton on the second play of the drive on another fumble. The Redbirds get a quick stop.
After the Redbirds get the ball right back their ground game was effective. On the first play of the drive QB Connor Eaton found Kyle Hammers for a 31 yard pass right off the bat. That was the only yards the Redbirds would get in the air the rest of the day. The Redbirds grind it out using their running game in eight more plays to run out the clock in the first quarter with the score still being 7-0 Benton.
Immediately after the teams change sides, Eaton throws an interception. A penalty riddled drive that was featured by a 36 yard run by Hamilton Page and the Redbirds take over own downs.
It then looks like WF is in business again with their ground game. On the fifth play of the drive there is a Redbird fumble and Neal Carlton recovers deep in West Frankfort territory.
The Rangers have a quick three play drive with Page scoring another rushing touchdown with 5:26 to go in the first half. The kick from McMahon was good to put the Rangers up 14-0.
The second play of the next drive, Connor Eaton was then intercepted by Ty Gordon.
On a seven play drive Page has another run from five yards around the three minute mark of the first half, McMahon hits the extra point and it is 21-0 Benton.
On the first play of the next West Frankfort possession, Eaton is intercepted by Caleb Pemberton. Then Page finds Cade Thomas for a 25 yard touchdown pass at the 1:28 mark of the first half. The kick by McMahon was good and both teams go to the locker room with Benton up 28-0.
On the opening kickoff, Kyle Hammers has an awesome return that puts the Redbirds at the Ranger 15. Madison Allen scores on a six yard run to get the Redbirds on the board. The extra point failed and at the 10:44 mark of the third quarter, the score was 28-6, Rangers.
Page goes to the air and finds Joey Craig in the end zone on a very quick four play drive that Benton went to the air on. The extra point was no good, and at the 9:51 mark of the 3Q the score was 34-6 Benton.
The teams exchange drives at West Frankfort puts together a good drive, Benton and West Frankfort exchange three and outs.
A punt that looked like it was from a Ranger deflection, gives Benton very good field position at the 22. Blane Pankey rushes it in from the Redbird 18. The Kick from McMahon was good and the Rangers expanded the lead to 41-6 at the 3:45 mark of the third quarter. It was starting to shape up like things could begin to get very ugly, and continuous clock was coming down the pike.
When the Redbirds get the ball back, Madison Allen rushes in for a 66 yard touchdown run on the third play of the drive. Brendan Johnson runs in the two point conversion and the Redbirds cut into the huge Ranger lead 41-14.
Early in the 4th quarter, Hamilton Page rushes it in from the 18 to put the Rangers up 47-14, and that was the final on the afternoon. Both teams began to mix and match starters and subs the rest of the way.
Benton Coach Bob Pankey had this to say about this afternoon’s win, “I can’t say enough about out our kids. I thought they responded and bounced back well from last week (the loss against Herrin). This group of seniors has played at a high level and in big games in multiple sports.”
He also commented how receiver Bailey Hopson came up big for him and how he has improved throughout the year
West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery had this to say about this afternoon’s loss. “We did not execute, it is simple as that. They are a senior led team and they played like seniors. We are a sophomore and junior led team and we played like sophomores and Juniors.
Benton and West Frankfort have identical records of 1-1 in the SIRR Ohio, and 3-2 overall. Benton hosts the Harrisburg Bulldogs on Friday, who were 34-14 winners at Massac County last night. West Frankfort Travels to Murphysboro on Friday who fell to the Herrin Tigers 42-6 last night.
In the other game this afternoon the Vienna-Goreville Eagles defeated the Edwards County Lions, 19-13.
Benton (3-2)(1-1) 7 21 13 6 – 47
West Frankfort (3-2)(1-1) 0 0 14 0 – 14
PASSING:
Benton: Page 26-34 323, G.Gordon 1-2 4. West Frankfort: Eaton 1-5, 31 2INT
RUSHING:
Benton: Page 14-63, Pankey 6-29, Dunn 2-3. West Frankfort, Allen 17-142, Eaton 15-58, Cooksey 4-17, Hammers 3-9
RECIEVING:
Benton: Craig 5-89, Hopson 7-83, Thomas 5-49, Picklesmeyer 3-39, Stewart 2-35, Pankey 3-24 T. Gordon 1-4. West Frankfort: Hammers 1-31
TACKLES: (assisted or unassisted)
Benton: Pankey 8, Dunn 8, Carlton 7, Smothers 7,Sanders 3, Pemberton 3, Craig 2, Gordon 1, Stewart 1. West Frankfort: Souders 13, Brendan Johnson 10, Allen 7, Engler 6, Forgatch 6, Brock Johnson 5, VanZant 5, Cooper 4, Hammers 2, Kahl 2, Eaton 1, Croslin 1
by Steve Dunford
The Redbird football team and cheerleaders on their float in the Homecoming Parade. It is traditionally homecoming for the host school in the Benton-West Frankfort game.
The Benton Rangers and the West Frankfort Redbirds will be facing off in their traditional Saturday afternoon game on week five.
I have read several social media posts from both towns, concerned about the heat and the players’ safety Over the last several years, I can only think of one year that is was not blazing hot in this matchup. It was two years ago, as it was overcast and in the 60’s.
It seems like the game is in the heart of “Indian Summer” in Southern Illinois. It would take a lot of logistic work, but I think it would be awesome to play the game on Week 8. There would be a better chance that it would be cooler. It would also have a playoff feel to it. It would be extra special if both teams were contending for a SIRR Ohio Division crown.
In the fourth quarter there were kids from both teams puking on the sidelines last year. There were also a lot of leg cramps from dehydration. There have been suggestions on social media to play the game tonight. The problem would be getting officials on short notice.
The Rangers are coming off of a 52-22 loss to the Herrin Tigers. For the second year in a row, the Redbirds are coming in off of an upset of the Harrisburg Bulldogs. They were winners last week on the road at Taylor Field 37-21.
Here is what West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery had to say about the win at Harrisburg. “Without a doubt getting the “W” against a very physical Harrisburg Team on the road was a huge accomplishment for this young Redbird Football Team. It is my hope we can build from this win, and continue to grow as a team.”
It is going to be a game of contrasting styles. Benton likes to go to the air. West Frankfort likes to run the ball. Both defenses hit hard and are stingy.
Benton QB Hamilton Page has been throwing consistently for over 200 yards each game. I have only watched the Rangers one time this year and that was on film against Carterville. It seems like on the stat sheets there are about five receivers he throws to, with him hitting Joey Craig the most.
West Frankfort racked up over 400 yards on the ground against Harrisburg. The faces has changed but the style of play hasn’t. Instead of Brandon Berry and Justin Tomoanovich, it is Connor Eaton and Madison Allen.
I asked Benton Coach Bob Pankey his thoughts coming into the West Frankfort game and how the Rangers plan to attack the ground game. “Except for the Herrin game, we have defended the run fairly well this year thus far. Our linebacker play has been good and I expect that to be the case Saturday. Obviously, Eaton allen Allen will be loads and we will have to tackle well and get 11 hats to the ball.”
“The West Frankfort offensive line is big (as usual) and their “1/2 Punch” of Eaton and Allen are as good as anyone in Southern Illinois. We will need to play sound, assignment conscious football, and tackle well. If we do that, I feel our offense will be able to do some things.”
I also asked Coach Beery his thoughts on the Rangers and how the Redbirds plan to defend the Benton air assault. “Benton will probably be the biggest challenge we’ve faced this season in terms of being attacked through the air. Teams have challenged our defensive linemen and linebackers, and as a result they have gotten better each week.”
“Benton will challenge our linebackers’ and defensive backs’ training this week. We will need to be sound in our coverage, and be tenacious in our pursuit of the ball when it’s in the air. We must make sure that Benton’s receivers pay for any catches they make. We can’t just tern this game into a 7-on-7 tournament. Also, Page must not be allowed to scramble, we must keep him contained to the pocket and be sound in our pass rush.”
I know I usually give you a prediction. First I am not being wishy-washy here. I have through out some numbers a lot of times writing basketball previews, and I am going to handle it this way.
There are two important numbers 250 and 350. If Hamilton Page throws for over 250 yards, the Rangers will most likely pick up the win If the Redbirds run for over 350 yards, they will most likely pick up the win.
When I was thinking about what to say this week, I also thought of the possibility these numbers might be achieved by both teams.
Coach Beery referred to it as a 7 on 7 tournament. I was thinking Arena Football. It might look like a basketball score.
As fans I think we are in for a dandy. There will be some playoff implications. I also think the winner will have the upper hand in finishing as high as second in the conference. It will be an honor to cover the game. I am looking forward to it and pumped.
Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton (0-4) at Sesser-Valier-Waltonville (4-0)
Carmi- White County (2-2) at Fairfield (4-0)
Chester (2-2) at Johnston City (1-3)
Eldorado (3-1) at Hamilton County (0-4)
Edwards County (2-2) at Vienna-Goreville (2-2) 1:00 PM Saturday
Harrisburg (2-2) at Massac County (0-4) (0-1)
Murphysboro (1-3)(1-0) at Herrin (3-1)(1-0)
Benton (2-2)(0-1) at West Frankfort (3-1)(1-0) 12:00 p.m Saturday
Carterville (3-1)(1-0) at Anna Jonesboro (4-0)(1-0)
Pinckneyville (0-4)(0-1) at DuQuoin (3-1)(0-1)
Nashville (1-3)(0-1) at Sparta (1-3)(1-0)
Centralia (3-1)(1-0) at Belleville Altoff (4-0)(1-0)
Cahokia (1-3)(0-1) at Carbondale (1-3)(0-1)
Marion (1-0)(2-2) at Mt. Vernon (0-4)(0-1)
