Bradley, Bateman spark Benton’s fast start against Searcy

Benton 54, Searcy 35

October 23, 2026 | 6A East | Lion Stadium

SEARCY — Lamarion Bradley scored on a long run and a screen pass, and Ayden Bateman returned an interception for a touchdown as Benton built a 21-0 first-quarter lead and defeated Searcy 54-35 Friday night at Lion Stadium.

The Panthers extended their advantage to 35-0 early in the second quarter and led 42-14 at halftime. Searcy scored three second-half touchdowns, including Bryson Allen’s 90-yard fumble return, but never erased Benton’s early cushion.

Bradley supplied the opening score on Benton’s second offensive play. He took a toss to the right, worked through traffic and broke free for the touchdown with 11:35 remaining in the first quarter. Gabe Wilbur added the extra point.

Searcy later started a possession at Benton’s 35 after a punt return, but Bateman turned that favorable field position into another Panthers score. He tipped Jacob Miles’ pass, gathered the ball and returned it to the end zone. Wilbur’s kick made it 14-0 with 6:25 left.

Benton finished its next scoring drive with Chase Cobb’s screen pass to Bradley, who found open space down the left side. The extra point pushed the margin to 21-0 with 2:28 remaining in the quarter.

Jake Cloud caught a touchdown on a double-pass play to open the second quarter. Cobb then found Austin-Phillip Lewis for another score, and Wilbur’s kick made it 35-0 with 10:11 left before halftime.

Searcy answered with Hunter Thompson’s 18-yard touchdown run. Benton immediately rebuilt its advantage after a penalty erased a Bradley score: Cobb escaped pressure and found Max Gist for a 16-yard touchdown. Miles’ 6-yard keeper and Micah Linderman’s extra point brought the Lions within 42-14 at the break.

Wilbur kicked two third-quarter field goals, extending Benton’s lead to 48-14. Miles responded by avoiding pressure and finding Will Manning on a 27-yard touchdown pass with 1:26 left in the quarter.

Cobb scored on a 5-yard keeper in the fourth quarter. Benton’s attempted two-point conversion from its kicking formation failed, leaving the Panthers ahead 54-21 with 9:37 remaining.

Searcy struck quickly when Miles found Bryson Thompson on a screen that became a long touchdown. Allen then recovered a Benton fumble near the Lions’ 10 and ran 90 yards for a score. Linderman’s kick cut the margin to 54-35 with 4:13 left.

Cloud secured the ensuing onside kick. After penalties backed Benton up, Bradley supplied a substantial gain and Cobb connected with Cloud over the middle for a first down. The Panthers retained possession and ran out the clock.

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

Benton: Lamarion Bradley touchdown run (Gabe Wilbur kick), 11:35. Benton 7, Searcy 0.

Benton: Ayden Bateman interception return (Wilbur kick), 6:25. Benton 14, Searcy 0.

Benton: Bradley touchdown pass from Chase Cobb (Wilbur kick), 2:28. Benton 21, Searcy 0.

Second Quarter

Benton: Jake Cloud touchdown reception on a double-pass play (Wilbur kick). Benton 28, Searcy 0.

Benton: Austin-Phillip Lewis touchdown pass from Cobb (Wilbur kick), 10:11. Benton 35, Searcy 0.

Searcy: Hunter Thompson 18-yard run (Micah Linderman kick), 8:13. Benton 35, Searcy 7.

Benton: Max Gist 16-yard pass from Cobb (Wilbur kick), 7:08. Benton 42, Searcy 7.

Searcy: Jacob Miles 6-yard run (Linderman kick), 2:48. Benton 42, Searcy 14.

Third Quarter

Benton: Wilbur field goal, 7:17. Benton 45, Searcy 14.

Benton: Wilbur field goal, 3:30. Benton 48, Searcy 14.

Searcy: Will Manning 27-yard pass from Miles (Linderman kick), 1:26. Benton 48, Searcy 21.

Fourth Quarter

Benton: Cobb 5-yard run (two-point attempt failed), 9:37. Benton 54, Searcy 21.

Searcy: Bryson Thompson touchdown pass from Miles (Linderman kick), 8:56. Benton 54, Searcy 28.

Searcy: Bryson Allen 90-yard fumble return (Linderman kick), 4:13. Benton 54, Searcy 35.

Players Who Stood Out

Lamarion Bradley, Benton: Scored on a first-quarter run and a screen reception, helping the Panthers establish a 21-0 lead.

Chase Cobb, Benton: Threw touchdown passes to Bradley, Lewis and Gist, and added a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown.

Ayden Bateman, Benton: Tipped and intercepted a pass, then returned it for a first-quarter touchdown.

Gabe Wilbur, Benton: Two field goals and six extra points for 12 points.

Jacob Miles, Searcy: Two touchdown passes and a 6-yard rushing touchdown.

Bryson Allen, Searcy: Returned a fourth-quarter fumble 90 yards for a touchdown.