Groves, Rangers look to make postseason return

While some things for Benton football are changing, many things are staying the same.

The Rangers are breaking ground on a new turf football field, ready to go by August, but the schedule Benton will use is going to stay the same.

Benton will open its season on August 28 at Carterville High School, followed by home game with Sparta on September 4.

The Rangers will then travel to Pinckneyville on Sept. 11 and play back-to-back home games, including a Homecoming game against Herrin on Sept. 18 and host West Frankfort in a noon kick off time on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Benton then hits the road for back-to-back weeks, traveling to Harrisburg on October 2 and going to Massac County on Oct. 9. The Rangers close out the schedule at home against Murphysboro on Oct. 16 and Anna-Jonesboro on Oct. 23.

Benton rebounded from a 1-8 finish in 2018 to go 9-2 last season and beat Salem in the first round of the playoffs, before falling at Effingham.

"I think the way our schedule now is good," BCHS head coach Justin Groves said. "We get an opportunity to play teams that are similar to us, bigger than us and a little smaller. I feel like our schedule is well rounded."

In addition to a new turf field at Tabor Field, Groves said the stadium complex is getting a new concession stand and restroom facilities.

"We're excited about the changes and improvements," Groves said. "As of right now, everything is on schedule. We're close to breaking ground and everything should be ready to go when its time."

Spyder Dann covers prep and college sports for the Southern Illinois Local Media News Group. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.

2020 Benton High School Schedule

8-28 at Carterville 7 PM

9-4 SPARTA 7 PM

9-11 at Pinckneyville 7 PM

9-18 HERRIN 7 PM

9-26 WEST FRANKFORT Noon

10-2 at Harrisburg 7 PM

10-9 at Massac Co. 7 PM

10-16 MURPHYSBORO 7 PM

10-23 ANNA-JONESBORO 7 PM