Benton Academy picked the right time to get hot as the Raiders earned a second straight win Friday to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
The Raiders defeated Delta Streets 21-6 with running back Daniel Washington leading the offensive attack with 18 carries for 139 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Garrett Vandevere had one of his best performances of the season with three receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown, seven tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Vandevere and Rye Yeates made back-to-back tackles for loss to help shut down the opening drive.
After the punt Daniel Washington and Waylin Dewitt had first down runs before DeWitt connected with Vandevere on a pass for first and goal on the four yard line.
Dewitt tossed another pass to Vandevere for the touchdown, and Evan Michael Williams added the kick for a 7-0 lead with 6:25 to go in the first quarter
Zion McDaniel immediately responded for Delta Streets by returning the kickoff for a touchdown. A fake kick attempt was stopped, and BA held on to a 7-6 lead.
Delta Streets was unable to capitalize on a big break when Malik Davenport recovered a fumble at midfield. Gavin Scoby made a stop to bring up fourth down and force a punt.
The remainder of the first half was a defensive showdown highlighted by Collin Washington grabbing an interception for the Raiders.
Entering the second half with a 7-6 lead Daniel Washington started things off with a nice return to the opposite 40 and followed up with a big first down run and then scored on an eight-yard keeper. Williams added the PAT kick for a 14-6 lead with 8:07 in the third.
Collin got his second interception of the night and returns it to the 25 to keep Delta Streets from responding, but BA was unable to build on the lead.
Scoby recovered a fumble with 25 seconds in the third, and BA took the 14-6 lead into the final quarter.
With 9:07 left in the game Vandevere forced a fumble that was recovered by Cooper Jones.
Delta Streets took advantage of a turnover as well, however, but couldn’t find the end zone.
Daniel Washington scored on a 15-yard rush, and Williams added his third kick of the night for a 21-6 lead.
Jones got a sack and Vandevere recovered a fumble that would have been a touchdown if it had not been called back for a penalty. The turnover closed the deal as BA’s offense was able to use the remaining time.
The road gets even tougher this week as the Raiders travel to Greenville Christian for round two of the playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
