Eighth grade Panthers prove themselves
MARTIN COUCH Sports Editor

EIGHTH GRADE FOOTBALL BRENDA GARNER PHOTOS Benton Panthers eighth graders proved they could play football with the best in last Friday's Maroon and Gray scrimmage game.

For the first time, the Benton Panther eighth grade football team is practicing with the freshman Panthers up the hill.

"We've brought the eighth graders in with the ninth graders and are going through practices together," said Benton football head coach Wayne Parker.

"We've got some good kids and very good athletes. We're finding out where we need to put everyone right now. They are doing good and I'm really proud of their work ethic."

The coach praised the eighth grade Panthers for putting on a show for the annual Maroon-Gray game at C.W. Lewis Stadium last Friday night.

"The eighth grade did an excellent job," Parker said. "Everybody got in the game and got to play."

The eighth grade Panthers for 2008 are Seth Alexander, Aaron Anderson, Dustin Balentine, Brody Barker, Tyler Batterson, Brandon Beasely, Dustin Bindall, Jacob Blockburger, Kris Brooks, Thaddeus Caffrey, Seth Campbell, Chris Childs, Grayson Chilton, Joseph Chronister, Alston Cox, Jonathon Dixon, Logan Faulk, Wallace Foote, Aaron Gagen, Cole Glover, David Greenwood, Connor Henningsen, Ramon Henry, Tyler Henthorne, Kevin Herrera, Jay Hill, Jeffrey Hodge, Carson Holloway, Steven Jacobs, Ryne Keene, Hunter Law, Coulton Lee, Tyler Lewis, Justin Long, Trevor Longworth, Andrew Morado, Dawlton Marhanka, Michael Martens, Dillon Newcomb, Joseph Nolen, Austin Odom, Michael Morado, Taylor Patterson, Chase Pique, Daniel Ramirez, William Rickard, Garcia Rolando, Nate Rutherford, Taylor Schmidt, Dustin Shelnut, Collin Simmons, William Smith, Bryce Snow, Brant Stout, Zach Stuckey, Cameron Treece, Tyler Turbyfill, Trey West, Phillip White, Grayson Worthington, Taylor Wright and Miguel Zamora.

"They are really trying hard and they are not intimidated by the ninth graders," Parker said. "They are going through the same drills that they are. They have been exceeding and getting respect, and it's helped them a lot."

The Benton Panthers eighth grade team will open their season on Sept. 4 at home against the Bryant Bethel Hornets.

"We're excited about it," Parker said. "They've got a good attitude and lots of enthusiasm."