Panthers Surge Late, Sink Marion With Defense and Davis’ Three TDs

Benton 38, Marion 21

BENTON — Benton steadied a choppy first half and authored a decisive third‑quarter burst to beat visiting Marion 38–21 on senior night at The Palace. Quarterback Drew Davis powered the surge with touchdown runs of 4, 3 and 1 yards, and Gabe Wilbur added a late 33‑yard field goal to seal it.

Davis’ poise showed after a red‑zone turnover: he chased down a would‑be pick‑six, the defense held on downs, and Benton answered with points. His best pitch was a seam strike to Karson Collatt for a first‑quarter go‑ahead score.

Benton’s defense flipped the game after halftime. Cordell Payne grabbed an interception and, with Antonio Sheltonand Weston Monson, helped bottle up Marian’s inside run game. Corey Anderson added a fourth‑quarter interception as the Panthers closed the door.

The Panthers also found balance on the ground: Brenden Murdock ripped chunk gains to set up short fields, and Gunner Deaton knifed in from nine yards for a two‑score cushion early in the fourth.

Marion flashed its explosiveness. Quarterback Zayden Walker hit Aamoni Wren on a 45‑yard shot to jump‑start an early drive, Jeremiah Dent punched in a tying score before halftime, and linebacker Zadean Wilson wreaked havoc up front and also scored from a yard out. Rico Ward’s weaving 54‑yard touchdown cut the margin to 35–21 before Wilbur’s field goal.

With the win, Benton (6A East) earns a first‑round bye and stays home in the second round.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Benton – Drew Davis 4‑yd run (Gabe Wilbur kick), 7–0.
Marion – Zadean Wilson 1‑yd run (Watson kick), 7–7.
Benton – Davis to Karson Collatt TD pass (Wilbur kick), 14–7.

2nd Quarter
Marion – Jeremiah Dent 2‑yd run (Watson kick), 14–14.

3rd Quarter
Benton – Davis 3‑yd run (Wilbur kick), 21–14.
Benton – Davis 1‑yd run (Wilbur kick), 28–14.

4th Quarter
Benton – Gunner Deaton 9‑yd run (Wilbur kick), 35–14.
Marion – Rico Ward 54‑yd run (Watson kick), 35–21.
Benton – Wilbur 33‑yd FG, 38–21.

Players Who Stood Out

• Drew Davis, Benton — 3 rushing TDs, command late.

• Will Carter, Benton — contested catches, set up scores.

• Brenden Murdock, Benton — drive‑sparking runs between the tackles.

• Cordell Payne, Benton — interception and tone‑setting hits.

• Rico Ward, Marion — 54‑yard TD and chunk gains.