Benton 60, El Dorado 36

Benton 60, El Dorado 36

EL DORADO — Benton turned a one‑score halftime lead into a rout Friday, leaning on a surging ground game and a defense that produced timely takeaways to beat El Dorado 60–36 at Memorial Stadium in a pivotal 6A East matchup.

QB Drew Davis accounted for five touchdowns — three passing and two rushing — including a 23‑yard keeper that capped the scoring in the fourth quarter. WR Will Carter hauled in two TDs, the dagger a 55‑yard catch‑and‑run late in the third. RB Brenden Murdock sparked the Panthers with a weaving touchdown reception and multiple chain‑moving bursts, while DB/RB Gunner Deaton added a third‑quarter rushing score as Benton’s offensive line took control after the break. K Gabe Wilbur booted three field goals and repeatedly pinned the Wildcats with touchbacks.

El Dorado traded punches early behind QB Cannon Jacobs, who rushed for three touchdowns — including a 30‑yard sprint and a first‑half plunge — and RB Jaylon Dunn, who ripped a 45‑yard score. RB Jeremy Samuel added a 9‑yard TD. LB Jakori Lumsey was active throughout for the Wildcats.

Benton’s defense produced the night’s turning points: DB Cordell Payne intercepted a third‑quarter heave, and RT Garrett Pilkington fell on a red‑zone fumble in the end zone for a rare lineman touchdown. The Panthers improved to 3–1 in league play.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Benton – Team safety (high snap over punter), BNT 2–0.
Benton – Gabe Wilbur 26‑yd FG, BNT 5–0.
Benton – Will Carter pass from Drew Davis (Wilbur kick), BNT 12–0.
El Dorado – Cannon Jacobs keeper (Eric Flores kick), BNT 12–7.

2nd Quarter
Benton – Brenden Murdock pass from Davis (Wilbur kick), BNT 19–7.
El Dorado – Jacobs 1‑yd run (Flores kick), BNT 19–14.
Benton – Davis run (Wilbur kick), BNT 26–14.
El Dorado – Jaylon Dunn 45‑yd run (Flores kick), BNT 26–21.
Benton – Wilbur 25‑yd FG, BNT 29–21.

3rd Quarter
Benton – Gunner Deaton TD run (Wilbur kick), BNT 36–21.
El Dorado – Jacobs 30‑yd run (Jeremiah Mitchell 2‑pt run), BNT 36–29.
Benton – Garrett Pilkington fumble recovery in end zone (Wilbur kick), BNT 43–29.
Benton – Carter 55‑yd pass from Davis (Wilbur kick), BNT 50–29.
El Dorado – Samuel 9‑yd run (Flores kick), BNT 50–36.

4th Quarter
Benton – Wilbur 24‑yd FG, BNT 53–36.
Benton – Davis 23‑yd run (Wilbur kick), BNT 60–36.

Players who stood out

• Drew Davis, QB, Benton — 5 TDs (3 pass, 2 rush).

• Will Carter, WR, Benton — 2 receiving TDs (incl. 55‑yarder).

• Brenden Murdock, RB, Benton — TD catch; several chunk runs.

• Cannon Jacobs, QB, El Dorado — 3 rushing TDs.

• Jaylon Dunn, RB, El Dorado — 45‑yard TD run spark.