The Benton Academy Raiders opened the 2025 Football season with a different look from last season.
A new coach roams the sidelines this season for the Raiders as Bryan Dendy returns to Benton Academy after a season at Humphreys Academy and several successful seasons prior to his stint at HA at Manchester Academy.
Another change for the Raider faithful this season is the drop down to the 8-man ranks from the traditional 11-man format.
Decreased numbers forced Benton to participate in 8-man this season where they hope the results are better than a season ago.
However, things got off to a rocky start this past Friday night against Newton Academy, and the Raiders found themselves on the losing side of a 36-14 batttle.
“I was proud of how hard our kids played. We have a lot to clean up, but we played hard and never quit,” said Dendy. “We were inside the five-yard line three times and didn’t score.”
Leading the way offensively for the Raiders was Tanner Vandevere who completed 10-0f-28 passes for 200 yards and two TDs. He also rushed for 21 yards on four carries.
Peyton McGlawn led all rushers with 56 yards, followed by Clayton Saxton with 48 yards and Dalton Robles with 46 yards.
Ethan Shanks was the leading receiver with four receptions for 93 yards and a TD, and McGlawn was right behind with two catches for 62 yards and a TD.
Robles had one reception for 20 yards, Cullen McCain had a catch for 11 yards, Saxton had one catch for eight yards, and Banks Nixon had a catch for six yards
Defensively, Aiden Arnold led the way with seven tackles, a fumble recovery and half a sack.
McGlawn and McCain each had five tackles, followed by Robles with four tackles and a forced fumble. Noah Edge, Cooper Freeman (forced fumble) and Drake Carpenter (half sack) each had three tackles.
Benton plays their home opener this Friday when they welcome Columbus Christian to town for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
