Panthers Blaze Past Blue Devils With Balanced, Big-Play Burst

Benton 49, West Memphis 19

WEST MEMPHIS — Benton paired an explosive passing night with timely defense to pull away from West Memphis, 49-19, on Friday. Quarterback Drew Davis distributed the ball to his senior targets, and Carson “Poot” Kallet did the rest, catching three touchdowns and later tossing a trick-play scoring pass to Will Carter just before halftime. Carter also hauled in two first-half scores and consistently won on the perimeter.

After a 35-13 halftime lead, Benton opened the third quarter with a 56‑yard touchdown burst by running back Brendan Murdoch and never looked back. Linebacker Antonio Shelton keyed the second-half clampdown with two drive-killing sacks, while linebacker Bryson Matia forced a fumble that set up Kallet’s throwback strike to Carter. Defensive back Cordell Payne and lineman Noah Robertson recovered fumbles as the Panthers controlled field position, and kicker Gabe Wilbur remained perfect on extra points.

West Memphis showed fight. Carlos Williams broke a 14‑yard touchdown run and later scored on a wheel route, and quarterback Andrew Clay ripped a 50‑yard scramble to set up points. Receiver Joshua Ward added a touchdown grab.

Receiver Easton Snellings moved the chains on key third downs, while linebackers Weston Monson and Connor Stevens set the edge and cleaned up in space. Up front, Aven Beard and Logan Hipskin collapsed the pocket to help end possessions all night long throughout.

Benton’s balance — quick-trigger throws, perimeter speed, and a timely ground game — proved too much, as the Panthers closed out a road win with a running clock.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Benton – Carson “Poot” Kallet 17-yard pass from Drew Davis (Gabe Wilbur kick), 7-0
Benton – Will Carter pass from Davis (Wilbur kick), 14-0

2nd Quarter
Benton – Will Carter pass from Davis (Wilbur kick), 21-0
West Memphis – Carlos Williams 14-yard run (Brayden Baker kick), 21-7
Benton – Carson Kallet pass from Davis (Wilbur kick), 28-7
Benton – Will Carter pass from Kallet (Wilbur kick), 35-7
West Memphis – Carlos Williams pass from Andrew Clay (kick failed), 35-13

3rd Quarter
Benton – Brendan Murdoch 56-yard run (Wilbur kick), 42-13
Benton – Carson Kallet pass from Davis (Wilbur kick), 49-13

4th Quarter
West Memphis – Joshua Ward pass from Clay (kick no good), 49-19

Players Who Stood Out

• Carson “Poot” Kallet, WR — 3 receiving TDs; 1 TD pass.

• Will Carter, WR — 3 receiving TDs; constant perimeter threat.

• Drew Davis, QB — 5 TD passes directing a balanced attack.

• Brendan Murdoch, RB — 56-yard TD sparked the second-half surge.

• Antonio Shelton, LB — 2 sacks and multiple drive-stoppers.