Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Video courtesy student correspondent Trey Keelin
DU QUOIN — The Du Quoin Indians forced five turnovers and held Benton’s high octane offense to just 10 points in a 21-10 win at Van Metre Field in the SIRR Mississippi opener for both teams.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Riley Spencer scored on a 9-yard touchdown run to give Benton a 7-0 lead. With Benton driving for a potential second score, Jeremiah Jones put an end to the drive by intercepting Tiffin Kouzoukas’ tipped pass.
Johnathan Brown immediately took advantage, bolting 61 yards for a touchdown. The extra point tied the game at 7-7.
It remained 7-7 until Jesser Zepeda kicked a 33-yard field to give Benton a 10-7 lead after three quarters.
The fourth quarter was all Du Quoin. Jones scored on a 7-yard double-handoff to give the Indians their first lead of the day. Brown then put it away with his second TD of the night, this one a 1-yard keeper with a little more than two minutes to play.
Du Quoin (3-1, 1-0) has now won three straight since dropping the season opener to Chester. The Indians will go for four in a row Friday night at Pinckneyville. Benton (2-2, 0-1) will head home trying to avoid a third straight loss when Anna-Jonesboro pays a visit.
