As heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Benton jumped on four Monticello first half turnovers and ran away for 42-12 victory in the second round of the Class 3A high school football playoffs in Benton Saturday afternoon.

On the second play of the game, Joey Sprinkle’s pass was picked off, setting up the first score for the Rangers. The Sages then went 3-and-out. 

After Benton punt on the next possession that pinned Monticello at the 2-yard line in their own territory, Sprinkle hit Peyton Scott for a 98-yard touchdown and that was all the scoring Monticello would muster for the remainder of the half and the Rangers ran away from there.

Benton quarterback Keagan Glover connected on long touchdowns of 76 and 52 yards to Reid Baumgarte (baum-guard) and ran two touchdowns in from five yards out as the Rangers built a 35-6 lead at the intermission. 

Jacob Tackett scored his final varsity touchdown with a 19-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Sprinkle finished 11-for-35 for 156 yards, a touchdown and four turnovers (3 interceptions and a fumble).

Tackett was the Piatt/DeWitt County ServPro player of the game, finishing ten rushes for 85 yards and a 16 yard reception as well as his touchdown.

Peyton Scott had his first 100-yard receiving day of the season thanks to his big touchdown and finished with three catches for 105 yards. 

Glover threw for 268 yards and accounted for all six Rangers touchdowns.

Benton takes on Mt. Carmel next Saturday and improves to 11-0. 

Monticello ends the season at 8-3.