Rangers remain unbeaten with shutout of Herrin


Danny Czerwinski
Section618.com

HERRIN — Getting off to a good start in conference play is imperative. Week 4 brought that chance as Herrin hosted Benton for the teams’ SIRR Ohio opener.

Senior quarterback Keegan Glover accounted for four touchdowns, and the Rangers’ defense posted its third straight shutout in a 39-0 win.

Benton has allowed only six points in four games this season and now has a streak of 14 consecutive scoreless quarters.

The Tigers did start quickly, using the onside kick to their advantage to start the game with the ball. Herrin marched all the way down the Benton five yard line, but a missed 22 yard field goal and left the Tigers empty handed.

After the defensive stand, the Rangers drove 80 yards capped by Glover’s 31-yard touchdown pass to Reid Baumgarte on fourth down to for a 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Herrin failed to cover the live ball, and the Rangers recovered on the Tigers’ 19 yard line. Three plays later, Baumgarte ran it from 14 yards out to put Benton up 13-0.

The second quarter saw the teams swap field position and punts. The Rangers added to their lead late in the half, going 59 yards in four plays with Glover scoring from on a 1-yard TD run for a 19-0 lead at the half.

The Rangers’ defense then came up with a turnover early in the third quarter. An interception gave Benton excellent field position at the Herrin 26. Four plays later, Glover scored again, this time from 15 yards out. The 2-pt conversion run was good for a 27-0 Benton lead.

The Rangers tacked on two more second half scores, including Wyatt Upton’s 5-yard touchdown run on the way to a 39-0 win.

Benton improves to 4-0 (1-0) heading into the annual rivalry game at West Frankfort, Saturday at noon.

The Tigers fall to 0-4 (0-1). They will host Murphysboro next Friday night.