Benton Rangers outscore Harrisburg Bulldogs for Homecoming win

BENTON -- Benton senior Ty Gordon returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown with Harrisburg threatening late in the game to give the Rangers a 35-28 Homecoming victory over the Bulldogs Friday night at Tabor Field.
Benton had jumped out to a 19-0 first-half lead. Harrisburg scored on its opening drive in the second half and cut the lead to 27-21 early in the fourth quarter following a 50-yard pass play from quarterback Isaac Crabb to Carl Russ.
That set up Gordon's ensuing kickoff return that put Benton back up by 14 with 5:33 remaining.
"He (Gordon) blew coverage on a wheel to give up a touchdown and then immediately comes right back and runs the kickoff back for a touchdown. Way to recover from a mistake, be a senior leader and do what's necessary," said Benton coach Bob Pankey.
Harrisburg answered on its next possession. Jordan Bartok scored from one yard out with just under two minutes remaining resulting in the final outcome.
After completing three straight passes that got the ball deep in Harrisburg territory, the Rangers ran out the clock to ensure the victory.
Benton quarterback Hamilton Page had another big outing for the Rangers. The senior rushed for one touchdown and threw for three more, including a 68-yarder to Cade Thomas following Harrisburg's initial TD in the second half.
Thomas caught 11 balls for 185 yards and Page was 19-of-30 for 272 yards. He also threw two interceptions.
Harrisburg outrushed Benton 383-70 yards. Bartok led the ground game with 216 yards on 23 carries. He scored on runs of 12 and 1 yards.
Russ added 117 yards, also on 23 totes, including a 68-yard TD run.
"We made some mistakes early -- a fumble, some defensive breakdowns and they capitalized," said Harrisburg coach Gabe Angelly. "The kids came out and played hard in the second half. We got a couple of big plays when we needed them and battled right back in. Hats off to Benton tonight. They made play after play."