Sparta's speed spoils Rangers' home debut

Benton's Joey Craig comes upfield after fielding a kickoff during the Rangers' game against Sparta on Friday. The Bulldogs upset Benton, 34-14.
RICK HAYES PHOTO

BY RICK HAYES

updated: 8/31/2018 11:14 PM

Speed kills and Sparta had plenty of it to dispose of Benton, 34-14, in spoiling the Rangers' home opener.
Quarterback Carlos Keen and tailback Tony Williams scored two touchdowns each in leading the Bulldogs' offense.
Sparta jumped out to a 22-0 lead and held a 22-8 advantage at halftime after Ayden Newcomb finally got the Rangers on the board in the final two minutes on a 30-yard pass reception.
A Keen to Williams pass play good for 34 yards midway through the third quarter set up another Bulldogs score, with Keen taking it in the final nine yards. Keen scored early in the contest on a 50-yard jaunt.
Joey Craig scored Benton's remaining touchdown on a 39-yard pass reception from quarterback Grant Gordon.
Sparta improves to 1-1 while the Rangers dropped to 0-2. The Rangers will visit Pinckneyville next Friday.