FLORA – Tri-County’s 21 points in the second quarter was enough to cruise to a 35-0 victory and the 4A title over rivals Benton Academy Friday night in the regular season finale for both clubs. It was the toughest loss for head coach Wayman Grantham and his side this season.

The win for the Rebels (11-0) means they move on to the playoffs as the number one seed, while Benton (5-5) will travel to Winona this Friday to face 3A number one seed Winona Christian (8-2).

“We did some good things at times, they were just really good,” Grantham said. “Their defense front was unbelievably good. They had a good football team.”

Fans packed stands as bragging rights and playoff positions were on the line. After both teams exchanged possessions, a fumble by Benton around their own 25 yard line set up the game’s first touchdown. Caleb Creel gave the Rebels a 7-0 lead with 4:08 to play with a two yard run.