Benton Tigers

By Lee Brecheen

Head Coach: Reynolds Moore (11th Year)

2022 Record: 8-4

Class & District: Class 5A (District 1)

2022 Playoffs: Defeated Ponchatoula 41-7 in 1st Round, Lost to Denham Springs 29-28 in 2nd Round in Division I (Non-Select) Playoffs

Benton head coach Reynolds Moore

"In 2023, (7 of the 8) teams in our District will have new quarterbacks," said Benton head coach Reynolds Moore. "We will have depth at RB this year. I like this team kids are working hard and ready to compete."

The run game will start with one of the best High School Running Backs in Louisiana for the 2023 season Greg Manning who ran for 1,457 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2022. Manning is 5-7, 160 pounds but he runs like he's (5-10, 210). There’s also help at RB in 2023 players like Maurice Goyns (5-9, 180) run with power, RB Conner Jeter (5-8, 160) is quick in space, and RB/DB Greg Chambers 5-10 170 returning from an injury in 2022 missed last year talented player.

At wide receiver, you have playmaker Trey Smith (6-0, 185, 4.5 speed, Sr.) and WR TJ Jackson-Jones, a second-year starter with 4.6 speed and good hands. The offensive line returns second-year starter OT Witten VanHoy (6-8, 290) who has tons of upside and is very agile for a big kid, three-year starter OG Travis Flowers (5-11, 260), new starter OG Corrigan Jayroe (5-11, 260, Sr.), new starter OT Brody Bryhinkcx (6-4, 270) and center Grant Bunch (6-4, 275). At the trite end, you have a talented player in TE/HB Cody White (6-4, 210) who is a new starter and a really good blocker.

Benton RB Greg Manning and OL Witten VanHoy

At quarterback, you have an experienced leader in Jeff King (6-1, 185, Sr.) who has a cannon arm and took over in 2022, he has been the starter ever since his name was called when last year’s starter got injured. King is a very talented QB not many know about statewide, but he will have a chance to get known quickly.

The defense will count on players to lead starting like DT/NG Myuan Carey (5-11, 255), LB Brayden Jackson (5-10, 210, 4.8 speed, Sr.), LB Bennie Walters (5-10, 200, Sr.), DE Tyler Davidson (6-3, 215) who is coming off an injury in 2022 but is healthy now, CB Caden Lee (5-11, 185, Sr.), SS Miller Malley (5-10, 170) who recovered from an injury in 2022 and captain on the team, second-year starter FS/SS Cole Austin (5-10, 165) and his younger brother Case Austin (6-0, 165) who lettered as a freshman with 4.6 speed.

The starting kicker will be Will Petro in 2023. Several players will be given the reps to return punts and kickoffs in 2023 for the team.

Two players who graduated from last year's team will play sports: Two-time All-State DB Sawyer Simmons will play baseball at LSU-Eunice and WR Pearce Russell will play Football at Arkansas State.

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