Patriots ready for quarterfinal showdown with Benton
Marion looking for a trip to 6A State Final Four tonight
Marion School District When he arrived at Marion in July, Lance Clark found plenty to like about the 2021 Patriots.
One of the more dominating defensive lines in the state, regardless of classification, was in place. There was talent at linebacker and in the secondary. The offense had potential with a senior quarterback, tailback, and explosive receivers.
The biggest question mark was an unproven offensive line that struggled at times a year ago.
What a difference four months and 12 ball games can make. Marion's (5-6 overall) offensive line has blossomed this season, paving the way for more than 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns for senior tailback Cam Anderson. The Patriots have rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a team.
“The offensive line is the group that's made the most progress since I've been here,” said Clark. “That was seen as the weakness of the team last year. They weren't quite where they needed to be. But right now, they're a group that you can lean on.”
Clark's staff knew what it had in center Hudson Dulli, a returning starter from 2020. Travis Stafford started the final five games last fall at tackle before shifting during the off-season to guard. Newt Reed played many snaps last season but would miss the first six games with an injury.
Sophomore right tackle Carter Benton started Marion's benefit scrimmage game at Little Rock Central and has “improved every week,” said Clark. “He's the best-looking kid we have, and he's now playing really well.” C.J. Morgan and Garrett Dickerson play many snaps and play them well.
The offensive line puzzle solidified in September when Makaylon Williams and Trent Knighten shifted from the defense. In Williams' first start at left tackle, Marion racked up more than 300 yards in a 33-3 victory at West Memphis.
“Makaylon and Travis added some leadership,” said Clark. “Makaylon, in particular, offers a little bit of swagger that this group didn't previously have.”
Behind the improving offensive line, Marion has won four straight games, and five out of six. The Patriots have rushed for 256 yards or more during the winning streak, including a pair of 300-yard rushing efforts at Sheridan and against Jonesboro.
Marion's 42-20 victory last week over Russellville was just its eighth postseason victory of the modern playoff era (since 1970). A victory Friday night at outright 6AWest champion Benton (9-1 overall) would propel the Pats into the semifinals for the second straight season, and the third time in school history. Marion is 2-0 all time against Benton, including a first-round playoff forfeit a season ago.
“We're trying to teach guys here to relish the big game, relish the big moment. Live in that tension. The chaos and tension is OK,” said Clark. “Benton is well schooled, excellent on defense, and is as explosive as any team we've played.
They have three receivers who can all play and play well. They have a pair of great running backs. They are going to make plays.
The deal will be how we respond to them making those plays.”
Marion and Benton share two common opponents this fall. Class 7A juggernaut Bryant battered Benton 42-3 Week 0 in the Salt Bowl. Bryant downed Marion 58-7 the following week. Benton ripped Russellville Week 4 49-10, while the Pats stopped the Cyclones 42-20 a week ago.
Senior QB Stran Smith, who completed 63 percent of his passes this fall for 2,772 yards and 29 TDs with just two interceptions, triggers a Benton offense that scores almost 43 points per week. Tailback Casey Johnson paces the Benton rushing attack with 786 yards and 13 scores. Senior receiver Cameron Harris has caught 54 passes this fall for 1,175 yards and 14 TDs.
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Photo by Londa Hamrick PATRIOTS (cont.)
Benton deploys the 3-3 Stack on defense, which allows the Panthers to blitz from all angles. The Panthers surrender almost 26 points weekly. Safety Cain Simmons tops the Benton tackle chart with 118 stops, while Beau Wright has tallied 109 tackles
Kickoff at The Palace, Benton's football stadium, is Friday night at 7 p.m.
The contest will be livestreamed on MarionPatriots.com and on the Marion Patriots Activities Network mobile app.
