Prep RedZone Arkansas Matchup Preview Benton Vs Lake Hamilton

Photo: Prep Redzone

Tom Tabler October 26, 2021 @ 05:03 PM

We are winding the regular season down in the state of Arkansas and the Lake Hamilton Wolves have two back-to-back tough matchups. Lake Hamilton must take it one game at a time and will be contending with the Benton Panthers this Friday night. We will take a look at both teams and set the stage for the matchup on Friday night. Looking first at the Benton Panthers. Benton has lost one game on the season to defending 7-A State champion Bryant. The Panthers’ offense has numerous weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Benton quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="106935" first="Stran" last="Smith"] did everything ask of him against the Greenwood Bulldogs last Friday night. The Benton quarterback threw for 226 yards and one touchdown, he also rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown as well. The Wolves will need to account for running back Casey Johnson and red zone target [player_tooltip player_id="75088" first="Cameron" last="Harris"]. The Benton offense is an explosive one and the Lake Hamilton defense will have its work cut out for them this week. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball for the Panthers. The Panthers are going to need a big game from linebacker Beau Wright in attempting to contain the potent Lake Hamilton rushing attack. Wright had 17 tackles last Friday and is going to need another big performance this Friday night to contain the Lake Hamilton rushing attack. Zane Manchack will need to continue his gritty play this Friday against an extremely tough rushing attack. Looking now at the host Lake Hamilton Wolves. On the offensive side of the ball, everything is built behind a rushing attack that will punish the opposing defensive line when give the opportunity. Running Tevin Woodley is having a strong season for the Wolves as is Justin Crutchmer. Woodley is averaging 122 yards per game, meanwhile Crutchmer has rushed for 711 yards this season. To defeat the Wolves the opposing defense must be disciplined and ready to play a rushing attack that will not stop. On the defensive side of the ball, the Wolves are a scrappy unit that play extremely disciplined football. Linebacker Izic Clenney has been extremely disruptive all season. Clenney has racked up 63 tackles this season. Linebacker Hunter Hanna can rush the passer and drop back into coverage with equal effectiveness. The Wolves are going to count on a big game from both Clenney and Hanna this Friday night. Lake Hamilton is looking to enter the playoffs with plenty of confidence and a win over Benton would accomplish this feat. This matchup has the potential to be one of the best games in the state this Friday night and is one everyone should circle to pay attention to.